Poultry feeder

ABSTRACT

A feeder assembly for feeding birds of all kinds is provided in three separate embodiments. The feeder assembly of each embodiment is configured to provide for the welfare of birds as they feed from the feeder assembly by allowing the birds&#39; breasts to conform to a rim member of the feeder assembly. The feeder assembly of two embodiments also provides for a lower feed gate to provide feed into a pan member of the feeder assembly. The lower feed gate is always open and can be raised or lowered as desired. The feeder assembly of one of the embodiments also provides for an upper feed gate to provide feed into the pan member of the feeder assembly. The upper feed gate can be opened or closed, and, when open, can adjust the height at which feed flows through the upper feed gate.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This patent application claims the benefit of domestic priority of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/391,731, filed Jun. 26, 2002, andentitled “Poultry Feeder”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to animal feeding systems and, more particularly,relates to feeder assemblies for poultry and the like.

Automated feeding systems for poultry and like domestic animals haveproved highly successful in modern animal husbandry operations. Thesesystems can supply feed mixtures to a large poultry flock with minimumeffort by the poultry grower. Both the amounts of feed delivered and theproportions of feed ingredients can be regulated, thus permitting theflock to be inexpensively raised from chicks to mature, commerciallyvaluable birds in a relatively short time.

Among the important parts of such automated feeding systems are thefeeder assemblies. These assemblies receive feed flow from a feedconveyor, and are located on or near the poultry house floor to affordthe birds ready access to the feed. Among the patents disclosing suchfeeder assemblies are, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,388,690, 3,511,215,3,811,412, 3,911,868, 4,070,990, 4,476,811, 4,834,026, 4,995,343,5,092,274, 5,941,193 and 6,173,676.

Early poultry growers traditionally introduced very young birds intopoultry houses and provided supplemental feed to the young birds orchicks on paper, cardboard or the like, which was laid on the poultryhouse floor. The chicks were not initially introduced to feeding fromfeeder assemblies for two main reasons. One reason was that chicks wereunable to gain access to the feed in the feeder assemblies because theheight of the feeder assemblies from where the birds would gain accessto the feed was too high for the chicks. Another reason was that thefeed which was introduced into the feeder assembly was always providedon the bottom of a pan of the feeder assembly such that even if theyoung birds could reach over the height of the side of the feederassembly, the birds could not then reach down to eat the feed at thebottom of the feeder assembly. Thus, the poultry grower providedsupplemental feed to the chicks either by providing the supplementalfeed to the chicks outside of the feeder assemblies or by hand fillingthe supplemental feed into the feeder assemblies to provide a high feedlevel.

Problems, however, arose with such practice. Among these problems,obviously, was that such a practice required more time and labor by thepoultry grower which could be better utilized elsewhere. Also, the feedprovided on the floor of the poultry house came into contact with waste,dirt, etc., which the birds would also then eat, potentially causinghealth problems for the birds. Further, the birds raked the feed withtheir feet such that the feed became spread out over the poultry housefloor, such that a fair amount of the feed placed on the floor by thepoultry grower was wasted.

Thus, many prior art feeders were designed to help combat theseproblems. For instance, the feeder assemblies disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,311,839, 5,462,017 and 5,718,187 attempted to solve the problemof the height of the feeder assemblies being too high such that smallerbirds could not gain access to or see the feed presented in the feederassembly to eat it, thus requiring the poultry growers to either utilizethe supplemental feed, as discussed above or provide separate feederassemblies in which the smaller birds would be able to feed from. Thesefeeder assemblies utilized a lost motion connection between the grilland the pan to provide both a shallow pan depth for younger, smallerbirds and a deep pan depth for older, larger birds. The problem with thelost motion connection for the poultry grower is that in order toutilize the lost motion connection, the feeder assemblies had to beraised off of or lowered onto the poultry house floor. For instance, thefeeder assemblies could not be lowered from the deep pan depth to theshallow pan depth without a bottom of the pan resting on the poultryhouse floor. As the floors of poultry houses are often uneven, thefeeder assemblies could not all be consistently configured in the samemanner when the feeder assemblies were positioned on the floor of thepoultry house.

Other designs like the feeder assemblies disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,476,811 and 5,092,274 also attempted to solve the problem of the feedbeing presented to younger, smaller birds at too low of a level withinthe feeder assemblies. The feeder assemblies provided both an upper or“brood” feed gate to provide high feed levels for younger, smaller birdsand a lower feed gate to provide lower feed levels for older, largerbirds. The upper feed gate was provided as a window in the feed droptube of the feeder assembly, which, when open, would allow feed to flowtherethrough to create a high feed level in the feeder assembly for theyoung birds to easily see and eat. When the birds grew older and larger,the poultry grower could close the upper feed gate and allow the feed toflow through the bottom of the feed drop tube, i.e., the lower feedgate, to provide a lower feed level.

These feeder assemblies, while highly successful in industry, do,however, have some disadvantages to them. For example, in theseinventions, the upper and lower feed gates are typically not both ableto be open if the poultry grower should so desire them to be. Also, thefeed gates are typically only opened and closed by moving the feederassemblies on and off of the ground. Finally, these feeder assembliesdid not provide for a smooth transition from a high feed level to a lowfeed level; as a practical matter the poultry grower could only providea high feed level or a low feed level, but nothing in between.

Feeder assemblies of the prior art have also caused other problems forthe poultry grower. For example, when birds grow larger, the birdstypically like to eat from the feeder assemblies by resting a front sideof their bodies on or against the feeder assembly in some manner. Asfeeder assemblies of the prior art have not typically been designed withthe comfort and health of the birds in mind, the birds tend to eat fromthe feeder assemblies while being uncomfortable. In many prior artfeeder assemblies, when birds rest on or against the feeder assemblies,detrimental physical effects, such as bruising, blistering, irritation,etc., to the front sides of the bird's bodies, such as their breasts,may occur. Such detrimental physical effects can cause two majorproblems. One is that since the front sides of the birds' bodies willbecome detrimentally physically effected, the birds will not becomfortable resting on or against the feeder assemblies, such that thebirds may not eat as much food from the feeder assemblies as it is toouncomfortable for them to do so. Thus, the birds either do not become aslarge and are not as commercially valuable as they could have been, orthe rate at which the birds grow is reduced, thus taking longer for themto reach their optimal size and weight. Secondly, once the birds aredefeathered and graded, if the front sides of bird's bodies aredetrimentally physically effected, the birds will receive a lower grade,thus making them less commercially valuable.

Therefore, an improved feeder assembly is needed which will overcome theproblems and disadvantages of prior art feeder assemblies. The presentinvention provides such a feeder assembly. Features and advantages ofthe present invention will become apparent upon a reading of theattached specification, in combination with a study of the drawings.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the invention is to provide a feeder assembly whichhas both a lower and an upper feed gate for providing feed into a panmember of the feeder assembly.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide a feeder assemblywhich has an upper feed gate which is adjustable or variable such thatthe feeder assembly can provide feed at a relatively high level to arelatively low level in a smooth transition.

Yet another primary object of the invention is to provide a feederassembly which allows the upper feed gate to be opened or closed withoutrequiring the feeder assembly to be raised off of the ground or be seton the ground.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide a feeder assemblywith an upper feed gate which can be manually or automatically adjustedto provide different levels of feed in the pan of the feeder assembly.

Still another primary object of the invention is to provide a feederassembly which acts as a shallow depth feeder for smaller birds and as adeep depth feeder for larger birds.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide a feeder assemblywhich is configured to lend itself to the welfare of birds which feedfrom the feeder assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assembly whichhas a lower feed gate which can be raised or lowered by rotation of agrill member relative to a drop tube member of the feeder assembly.

An object of the invention is to provide a lower feed gate which isalways at least partially open to allow some feed to flow therethrough.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assembly whichprovides for a reduction in detrimental physical effects caused to thebirds when the birds feed from the feeder assembly.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assemblywhich is designed for bird comfort such that birds will tend to eatlonger when positioned against the feeder assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assembly whichwill reduce bird condemnation when the birds are visually inspected andgraded.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assemblywhich discourages the birds feeding therefrom from raking the feedprovided within the feeder assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assembly whichhas indicators thereon to allow for the easy determination of the heightof the lower feed gate.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assemblywhich positively selectively locks the height of the lower feed gateinto place

Still another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assemblyhaving a high cone on the feed pan to promote high feed levels out ofthe upper feed gate of the feeder assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assembly having awide eating area on the feed pan to provide smaller birds with more roomto eat and to provide a visually larger feed area which encourages birdsto eat.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assemblyhaving a wide feeding area which is positioned radially further awayfrom the center of the feeder assembly than feeding areas of prior artfeeders, thus providing birds easier access to the feed.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assemblyhaving structure thereon to make cleaning of the feeder assemblyrelatively easy.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assemblywhich allows for the easy connection of the pan member to the grillmember.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a feeder assemblywhich can be utilized to feed all different types of birds, includingchickens, turkeys and ducks, from a time when the birds are very younguntil the birds are fully grown.

Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the invention provides afeeder assembly which is adapted to be attached to a feed supply conduitof a feeder system. Three embodiments of the feeder assembly areprovided.

The first embodiment of the feeder assembly generally includes a panmember, a grill member, an outer drop tube member, an inner drop tubemember, and an inner drop tube actuator.

The outer drop tube member hangs from the feed supply conduit of thefeeder system by a member which wraps around the feed supply conduit.The inner drop tube member is positioned within and supported by theouter drop tube member. Both the inner and outer drop tube members havewindows or apertures therethrough. An extension of the inner drop tubemember extends through an opening at a top of the outer drop tube membersuch that it can be connected to the inner drop tube actuator. When theinner drop tube actuator is moved, the inner drop tube member is rotatedwithin the outer drop tube member such that an upper feed gate can beopened, by alignment of the windows, or closed, by disalignment of thewindows.

The grill member is rotatably connected to the outer drop tube member byhelical threads on both the grill member and the outer drop tube member,which allow a lower feed gate of the feeder assembly to be raised orlowered relative to the pan member.

A rim member of the grill member is connected to an upstanding outerportion of the pan member with an upstanding inner portion of the panmember extending within the inner drop tube member. The pan member has abase portion between the upstanding outer and inner portions forpresenting feed. The upstanding inner portion of the pan member helpspromote high feed levels out of the upper feed gate.

The outer drop tube member has wing portions extending from a bottomthereof which can be positioned above the base portion of the pan memberto ensure that the lower feed gate of the feeder assembly is alwayspartially open such that some feed can flow therethrough.

The grill member is configured such that birds which lean on or againstthe rim and spoke members of the grill member to eat feed presented inthe pan member will not be detrimentally physically effected, or thedetrimental physical effects will, at a minimum, be decreased. The birdswill also be comfortable leaning against the rim and spoke members suchthat feeding is promoted.

The rim member of the grill member also is configured such that ashallow pan depth is provided for smaller birds while a deep pan depthis provided for larger birds. The shallow and deep pan depths areprovided without the need to adjust any portion of the feeder assembly.

The second embodiment of the feeder assembly removes the inner drop tubemember and the inner drop tube actuator, and removes the windows fromthe outer drop tube member such that feed supplied to the feederassembly is forced to flow through only the lower feed gate.

The third embodiment of the feeder assembly removes the grill membersuch that only the pan member is provided, with the pan member beingconfigured similar to the rim member of the grill member in the firstand second embodiments of the feeder assembly, such that when birdswhich lean on or against the pan member to eat feed presented thereinwill not be detrimentally physically effected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel aredescribed in detail hereinbelow. The organization and manner of thestructure and operation of the invention, together with further objectsand advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to thefollowing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawingswherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a feeder assemblyof the invention having a first inner drop tube actuator;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the feederassembly of the invention having a second inner drop tube actuator;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the first embodiment of the feederassembly illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the feeder assemblyillustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the firstembodiment of the feeder assembly of FIG. 4, taken along line 5—5, withthe second inner drop tube actuator being shown in side elevationalview;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a pan member of the first embodiment of thefeeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the pan member of FIG. 6 takenalong line 7—7;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the pan member of FIG. 6 takenalong line 8—8;

FIG. 9 is a side-elevational view of the pan member of the firstembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a side-elevational view of the pan member of the firstembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention which is rotated 30degrees in relation to FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the pan member ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the pan member ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a portion of the pan member of FIG. 6;

FIG. 14 is a side-elevational view of a portion of the pan member ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a grill member of the first embodimentof the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the grill member of the first embodimentof the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the grill member of the firstembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the grill memberof FIG. 16 taken along line 18—18;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the grill memberof FIG. 16 taken along line 19—19;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the grill member of the firstembodiment the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of thegrill member of FIG. 16 taken along line 21—21;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a portion of the grill member ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an outer drop tube member of the firstembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the outer drop tube member of the firstembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the outer droptube member of FIG. 24 taken along line 25—25;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the outer droptube member of FIG. 24 taken along line 26—26;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the outer drop tube member of thefirst embodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of a portion of the outer drop tubemember of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an inner drop tube member of the firstembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the inner drop tube member of the firstembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the inner droptube member of FIG. 30 taken along line 31—31;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the inner drop tube memberof FIG. 31 taken along line 32—32;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the inner droptube member of FIG. 30 taken along line 33—33;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the first inner drop tube memberactuator of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly of theinvention;

FIG. 35 is a front elevational view of the first inner drop tube memberactuator of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly of theinvention;

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the first inner drop tube member actuatorof the first embodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 37 is a bottom plan view of the first inner drop tube memberactuator of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly of theinvention;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of a portion of the first embodiment of thefeeder assembly of the invention illustrating the second inner drop tubemember actuator secured to the inner drop tube member;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the second innerdrop tube member actuator of FIG. 38 taken along line 39—39;

FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of a portion of the first embodimentof the feeder assembly of the invention illustrating a third inner droptube member actuator secured to the inner drop tube member;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional side-elevational view of the third innerdrop tube member actuator of FIG. 40 taken along line 41—41;

FIG. 42 is a side elevational view of the third inner drop tube memberactuator of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly of theinvention;

FIG. 43 is a partial cross-sectional side elevational view of the firstembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention with a chick feedingtherefrom and feed flowing through both a lower feed gate and an upperfeed gate in a first position;

FIG. 44 is a side-elevational view of a portion of the feeder assemblyof FIG. 43 illustrating the alignment of the windows of the inner andouter drop tube members relative to one another to define the upper feedgate in the first position;

FIG. 45 is a partial cross-sectional side elevational view of the firstembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention with a bird feedingtherefrom and feed flowing through both a lower feed gate and an upperfeed gate in a second position;

FIG. 46 is a side-elevational view of a portion of the feeder assemblyof FIG. 45 illustrating the alignment of the windows of the inner andouter drop tube members relative to one another to define the upper feedgate in the second position;

FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional side elevational view of the firstembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention with a bird feedingtherefrom and feed flowing through only a lower feed gate;

FIG. 48 is a side-elevational view of a portion of the feeder assemblyof FIG. 47 illustrating the misalignment of the windows of the inner andouter drop tube members relative to one another;

FIG. 49 is a partial top plan view of the first embodiment of the feederassembly of the invention with a bird feeding therefrom such that afront portion of the bird's body conforms to the rim member of the grillmember of the feeder assembly;

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a secondembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a drop tube member of the secondembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 52 is a top plan view of the drop tube member of the secondembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the drop tubemember of FIG. 52 taken along line 53—53;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the drop tubemember of FIG. 52 taken along line 54—54;

FIG. 55 is a side elevational view of the drop tube member of the secondembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 56 is a side elevational view of a portion of the drop tube memberof the second embodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention;

FIG. 57 is a partial cross-sectional side elevational view of the secondembodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention with a bird feedingtherefrom and feed flowing through a lower feed gate;

FIG. 58 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of the feederassembly of the invention;

FIG. 59 is a top plan view of the third embodiment of the feederassembly of the invention; and

FIG. 60 is a partial top plan view of the third embodiment of the feederassembly of the invention with a bird feeding therefrom such that afront portion of the bird's body conforms to the rim member of the panmember of the feeder assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein indetail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles ofthe invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that asillustrated and described herein.

A first embodiment of the feeder assembly 100 which incorporatesfeatures of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1–49 with reference numeralsbeing in the one, two, three, four and five hundreds. A secondembodiment of the feeder assembly 600 which incorporates features of theinvention is shown in FIGS. 50–57 with reference numerals being in thesix, seven and eight hundreds. A third embodiment of the feeder assembly900 which incorporates features of the invention is shown in FIGS. 58–60with reference numerals being in the nine and ten hundreds.

Structure of the Feeder Assembly 100

Attention is invited to the first embodiment of the feeder assembly 100which is illustrated in FIGS. 1–49. The illustrated feeder assembly 100desirably is adapted to be used in connection with a poultry feedersystem that includes a feed supply conduit 102. Desirably, the poultryfeeder system includes a plurality of feeder assemblies 100, which canbe vertically adjusted to either rest the ground or be suspended abovethe ground by raising or lowering the feed supply conduit 102 or byother suitable means. The feeder assemblies 100 are preferably utilizedto feed all different types of birds including chickens, turkeys andducks, from a time when the birds are very young until the birds arefully grown. It should be noted that other types of animals could alsobe fed with the feeder assemblies 100 of the invention.

The illustrated feeder assembly 100 generally includes a pan member 104,a grill member 106, an outer drop tube member 108, an inner drop tubemember 110, and an inner drop tube actuator 112.

Pan Member 104

Attention is now directed to the pan member 104, which is bestillustrated in FIGS. 6–14.

The pan member 104, in a preferred embodiment, is generally circular andincludes an upstanding inner portion 114, an upstanding outer portion116, and a base portion 118 which extends from a bottom end of theupstanding inner portion 114 to a bottom end of the upstanding outerportion 116. The upstanding inner portion 114, the upstanding outerportion 116 and the base portion 118 are preferably integrally formedand, working together, support and present feed that is supplied to thefeeder assembly 100 by the feed supply conduit 102. It should be notedthat the configuration of the pan member 104 could be formed in a mannerother than circular in order to achieve the objects of the invention.The bottom or outer surface 120 of the base portion 118 is capable ofresting on a feeding surface of a poultry house, such as a floor or theground.

The upstanding inner portion 114 is generally formed of a first portion122, a second portion 124 and a third portion 126. In a preferredembodiment, the first portion 122 extends downwardly and outwardly to aninner end of the base portion 118 at an angle A relative to a horizontalline L. The second portion 124 extends downwardly and outwardly to anend of the first portion 122 at an angle B relative to the horizontalline L. The third portion 126 extends downwardly and outwardly from apoint 128 to an end of the second portion 124 at an angle C relative tothe horizontal line L. The upstanding inner portion 114 isrepresentative of a cone extending upwardly from the base portion 118.Angle A is preferably smaller than angles B and C and angle C ispreferably smaller than angle B. In a preferred embodiment, angle A isforty-five (45) degrees, angle B is eighty (80) degrees and angle C isfifty (50) degrees.

The upstanding outer portion 116 is generally formed of a first portion130, a second portion 132, a third portion 134, and a fourth portion136. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion 130 extends downwardlyand inwardly to an outer end of the base portion 118 at an angle Drelative to the horizontal line L. The second portion 132 extendsvertically downwardly to an end of the first portion 130. The thirdportion 134 extends horizontally inwardly to an end of the secondportion 132. The fourth portion 136 extends vertically downwardly to anend of the third portion 134. Angle D is preferably equivalent to angleA and, therefore, in the preferred embodiment, angle D is forty-five(45) degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the fourth portion 136 extendsto a height that is less than a height to which the tipper end of thesecond portion 124 of the upstanding inner portion 114 extends to and,therefore, the fourth portion 136 is positioned below the third portion126 of the upstanding inner portion 114.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 6, 9–10 and 13–14, the pan member 104preferably further includes a plurality of elongated extensions 138protruding from the outer surface 120 of the fourth portion 136 of theupstanding outer portion 116 thereof and extending lengthwisetherealong. The extensions 138 are preferably integrally formed with thepan member 104. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of extensions138 number six and are separated from their centers by sixty (60)degrees. Each extension 138 has a recess 140 provided therein which iscapable of receiving a portion of the grill member 106, as will bediscussed hereinbelow, for locking the grill member 106 to the panmember 104. Each extension 138 also has a downward vertical portion 142at one end thereof which provides a stop to prevent excess rotationduring the locking of the grill member 106 to the pan member 104.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 11, the pan member 104 alsopreferably includes a hook member 144 which is typically S-shaped. Afirst portion 146 of the hook member 144 extends horizontally outwardlyfrom the outer surface 120 of the fourth portion 136 of the upstandingouter portion 116. The first portion 146 is positioned proximate to andbelow the end of one of the extensions 138. A second portion 148 of thehook member 144 extends vertically downwardly from an end of the firstportion 146 of the hook member 144 to approximately the same position aswhere the first portion 130 and the second portion 132 of the upstandingouter portion 116 meet. A third portion 150 of the hook member 144extends horizontally outwardly from an end of the second portion 148 ofthe hook member 144. The hook member 144 helps to suspend the pan member104 from the grill member 106 for cleaning the feeder assembly 100, aswill be described in more detail hereinbelow.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9–10 and 12, the pan member 104 alsopreferably includes a plurality of tab members 152 protruding from theouter surface 120 of the upstanding outer portion 1116. The tab members152 are preferably integrally formed with the pan member 104. The tabmembers 152 protrude from the outer surface 120 of the first, second andthird portions 130, 132, 134 of the upstanding outer portion 116. In apreferred embodiment, the plurality of tab members 152 number six andare separated from their centers by sixty (60) degrees. Each tab member152 is also preferably positioned equidistant from the centers of two ofthe extensions 138. The tab members 152 assist in the packing of aplurality of the pan members 104.

Grill Member 106

Attention is now directed to the grill member 106, which is bestillustrated in FIGS. 15–22.

The grill member 106 includes a rim member 154, a plurality of spacedapart spoke members 156 and a collar member 158. Each spoke member 156is connected at one end thereof to the rim member 154 and at an oppositeend thereof to the collar member 158. The rim member 154, the spokemembers 156 and the collar member 158 are all preferably integrallyformed.

The rim member 154, in a preferred embodiment, is generally circular,although the configuration of the rim member 154 could be formed in amanner other than circular in order to achieve the objects of theinvention. A side rim portion 160 of the rim member 154 has an outerwall 162 and an inner wall 164.

The inner wall 164 has an inner surface 166 and an outer surface 168.The inner wall 164 is preferably circular in configuration, but iscommensurate in shape to the configuration of the rim member 154. Theinner wall 164 extends upwardly from a bottom surface 170 of the siderim portion 160 to a top rim portion 210 of the rim member 154, whichwill be described herein. The bottom surface 170 of the side rim portion160 is preferably planar. The inner surface 166 of the inner wall 164,the top rim portion 210, and a reinforcing member 240, which will bediscussed further herein, form a pocket 172 therebetween which iscapable of accepting the fourth portion 136 of the upstanding outerportion 116 of the pan member 104 for connection of the pan member 104to the grill member 106, as will be discussed further herein.

The outer wall 162 of the side rim portion 160 is formed from aplurality of projections 174. In a preferred embodiment, and preferablyfor use with smaller birds, the plurality of projections 174 numbertwelve (12) and are spaced equidistantly apart from one another with athirty (30) degree angle between the centers of the projections 174. Inanother preferred embodiment, and preferably for use with larger birds,the plurality of projections 174 number eight (not shown) and are spacedequidistantly apart from one another with a forty-five (45) degree anglebetween the centers of the projections 174.

In a preferred embodiment, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 15–17 and20, each projection 174 has a first concave portion 176 at one endthereof, a second concave portion 178 at an opposite end thereof, and aconvex portion 180 between the first and second concave portions 176,178. On adjacent projections 174, an end of the first concave portion176 of one of the adjacent projections 174 preferably, but notnecessarily, meets an end of the second concave portion 178 of the otherone of the adjacent projections 174, and also meet at the outer surface168 of the inner wall 164 such that pockets 182 are formed between eachprojection 174 and the outer surface 168 of the inner wall 164. Thus,the outer wall 162 of the side rim portion 160 is provided at varyingradial distances from a center of the feeder assembly 100.

Also, in a preferred embodiment, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 17–19,a lower edge 184 of the each projection 174 is positioned in ahorizontal plane, along with the bottom surface 170 of the side rimportion 160, while an upper edge 186 of each projection 174 is formed ofa first concave edge 188 at one end thereof, a second concave edge 190at an opposite end thereof, and a convex edge 192 between the first andsecond concave edges 188, 190, as best illustrated in FIG. 20. Onadjacent projections 174, an end of the first concave edge 188 of one ofthe adjacent projections 174 preferably, but not necessarily, meets anend of the second concave edge 190 of the other one of the adjacentprojections 174. Thus, the upper edge 186 of the projections 174 of theside rim portion 160 is provided at varying vertical distances from thelower edge 184 of each projection 174. The first concave edge 188 isprovided for at the upper edge 186 of the first concave portion 176, thesecond concave edge 190 is provided for at the upper edge 186 of thesecond concave portion 178, and the convex edge 192 is provided for atthe upper edge 186 of the convex portion 180.

The side rim portion 160 further preferably includes a plurality ofspaced apart, elongated reinforcing members 194 along the inner surface166 of the inner wall 164, as best illustrated in FIGS. 17, 19 and 21.The reinforcing members 194 are preferably positioned lengthwise alongthe inner surface 166 proximate to the connection to the outer wall 162to the inner wall 164, namely at the connection of one of the firstconcave portions 176 to an adjacent second concave portion 178. Thereinforcing members 194 are also preferably situated proximate to, oralong, the bottom surface 170 of the side rim portion 160. In thepreferred embodiment, the reinforcing members 194 number six (6) and aresituated equidistantly from one another by sixty (60) degrees from theircenters. Thus, the reinforcing members 194 are positioned on the innersurface 166 of the inner wall 164 proximate to the connection on theouter wall 162 of every other first and second concave portions 176,178.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 21, the side rim member 160 furtherpreferably includes a tab member 196. The tab member 196 is positionedbetween one of the first concave portions 176 and one of the secondconcave portions 178, such that the first and second concave portions176, 178 do not meet. The tab member 196 extends vertically downwardlyfrom the upper edge 186 of the projections 174 to a position below thebottom surface 170 of the side rim member 160 and, thus, below the loweredge 184 of the projections 174. The tab member 196 is separated fromthe first concave portion 176 by a gap 198 and is separated from thesecond concave portion 178 by a gap 200. A bottom free end 202 of thetab member 196 is preferably rounded. The tab member 196 is preferablypositioned such that it is proximate to one of the reinforcing members194. The reinforcing member 194 that is situated proximate to the tabmember 196 does not extend over the gaps 198, 200, but rather extendsalong the inner surface 166 of the inner wall 164 away from both of thegaps 198, 200 and extends along an inner surface 204 of the tab member196. The tab member 196 may also have a reinforcing member 206 extendinginwardly from the inner surface 204 thereof. The tab member 196 works inconjunction with the extensions 138 to lock the grill member 106 intoplace around the pan member 104 as will be discussed in more detailhereinbelow.

The side rim portion 160 further preferably includes a slot 208therethrough, as shown in FIG. 22. The slot 208 is positioned throughone of the first concave portions 176, one of the second concaveportions 178, and through the inner wall 164. The slot 208 is generallyL-shaped such that the slot 208 has a height which is higher at one endthereof than at an opposite end thereof. The slot 208 at the higher endis positioned equidistantly from the bottom surface 170 of the side rimportion 160 as is the slot 208 at the lower end, but the slot 208 at thehigher end is positioned closer to the upper edge 186 of the projections174 than is the slot 208 at the lower end. The higher end of the slot208 is preferably positioned on the first concave portion 176 while thelower end of the slot 208 is preferably positioned on the second concaveportion 178. The slot 208 is preferably positioned such that it issituated above one of the reinforcing members 194. The slot 208 works inconjunction with the hook member 144 to suspend the pan member 104 fromthe grill member 106 for cleaning the feeder assembly 100, as will bedescribed in more detail hereinbelow.

The rim member 154 in a preferred embodiment also has the top rimportion 210. The top rim portion 210 has a top surface 212 which isdefined between an outer edge 214 and an inner edge 216 of the top rimportion 210. When viewed in a side-elevational view, as in FIG. 20, thetop surface 212 appears to be provided in a series of curved peakportions 218 and curved valley portions 220 extending circumferentiallyaround the top rim portion 210 with the spoke members 156 being attachedto the top surface 212 of the top rim portion 210 at the peak portions218 proximate to the inner edge 216 of the top surface 212, such thatthe valley portions 220 are provided between the attachment of the spokemembers 156 to the rim member 154. The peak portions 218 and valleyportions 220 are formed because, between a pair of adjacent spokemembers 156, the inner edge 216 of the top surface 212 curvescircumferentially downwardly from one of the spoke members 156 to apoint which is equidistant between the one spoke member 156 and theadjacent spoke member 156, and then curves circumferentially upwardly tothe adjacent spoke member 156. Similarly, the peak portions 218 and thevalley portions 220 are formed because, between a pair of adjacent spokemembers 156, the outer edge 214 of the top surface 212 curvescircumferentially downwardly proximate to one of the spoke members 156to a point which is equidistant between the one spoke member 156 and theadjacent spoke member 156 and then curves circumferentially upwardlyproximate to the adjacent spoke member 156. In the preferred embodimentof the invention, and preferably for use with smaller birds, the topsurface 212 of the top rim portion 210 has twelve (12) peak portions 218and twelve (12) valley portions 220, which are alternated around thecircumference of the rim member 154 such that a thirty (30) degree angleis provided between the centers thereof. In another preferredembodiment, and preferably for use with larger birds, the top surface212 of the top rim portion 210 has eight (8) peak portions 218 and eight(8) valley portions 220 (not shown), which are alternated around thecircumference of the rim member 154 such that a forty-five (45) degreeangle is provided between the centers thereof.

When viewed in cross-sectional side view, as best illustrated in FIGS.18 and 19, the top surface 212 of the top rim portion 210 also curvesdownwardly and outwardly from the inner edge 216 to the outer edge 214.

The outer edge 214 of the top surface 212 is curved such that the outeredge 214 is curved inwardly and downwardly at the valley portions 220 ofthe top surface 212 and curved outwardly and upwardly at the peakportions 218 of the top surface 212.

The rim member 154 in a preferred embodiment also has a curved rimportion 222. As best illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 20, the curved rimportion 222 curves upwardly and inwardly from the upper edge 186 of theprojections 174 to the outer edge 214 of the top rim portion 210 of therim member 154. The curved rim portion 222 connects the side rim portion160 to the top rim portion 210 and provides a smooth transition from anouter surface 224 of the outer wall 162 of the side rim portion 160 to atop surface 212 of the top rim portion 210. The curved rim portion 222connects the convex upper edges 192 of the projections 174 to the outeredges 214 of the peak portions 218 of the top rim portion 210. Thecurved rim portion 222 also connects the first and second concave upperedges 188, 190 of the projections 174 to the outer edges 214 of thevalley portions 220 of the top rim portion 210.

The purpose of this configuration of the rim member 154 allows for afront portion of a bird's body to conform thereagainst when the birdfeeds from the feeder assembly 100 such that detrimental physicaleffects to the body of the bird are not caused, or are at leastminimized, when the bird feeds from the feeder assembly, as will bediscussed further herein under the heading “Bird Welfare Features OfFeeder Assembly 100”. It should be noted that the configuration of therim member 154 could be formed in a manner other than describedhereinabove in order to achieve the objects of the invention, such thata front portion of a bird's body can conform thereagainst when the birdfeeds from the feeder assembly 100 such that detrimental physicaleffects to the body of the bird are not caused, or are at leastminimized, when the bird feeds from the feeder assembly 100.

Each spoke member 156, as explained above, is connected at one endthereof to the rim member 154 and at an opposite end thereof to thecollar member 158. In a preferred embodiment, and preferably for usewith smaller birds, the plurality of spoke members 156 number twelve(12) and are spaced equidistantly apart from one another with a thirty(30) degree angle between the centers of the spokes 156. In anotherpreferred embodiment, and preferably for use with larger birds, theplurality of spoke members 156 number eight (8) and are spacedequidistantly apart from one another with a forty-five (45) degree anglebetween the centers of the spoke members 156. As each of the spokemembers 156 are identical to one another, only a single spoke member 156will be described herein.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 17–20, the spoke member 156 ispreferably generally T-shaped in cross-section such that it has firstand second legs 226, 228. The first leg 226 and the second leg 228 areperpendicular to one another. The first leg 226 extends along a middleof the second leg 228 along an inner surface 230 thereof such that thefirst leg 226 extends inwardly from the second leg 228.

A first end 232 of the spoke member 156 is connected to the rim member154. More specifically, an end of the second leg 228 is preferablypositioned on and connected to the peak portion 218 of the top rimportion 210, proximate to the inner edge 216 thereof. A reinforcingmember 234 extends from an outer surface 236 of the second leg 228toward the outer edge 214 of the peak portion 218 and connects theretoto provide strength to the spoke member 156.

An end portion 238 of the first leg 226 extends beyond the end of thesecond leg 228 against a reinforcing member 240 of the rim member 154.In a preferred embodiment, each reinforcing member 240 is connected tothe inner edge 216 of the top rim portion 210 and extends downwardlyfrom the inner edge 216 and is curved such that the entire reinforcingmember 240 is equally distanced from the inner wall 164. Eachreinforcing member 240 extends circumferentially to connect the firstlegs 226 of a pair of adjacent spoke members 156 together. Eachreinforcing member 240 extends on either side of the pair of adjacentspoke members 156 and is connected between the first legs 226 of thepair of adjacent spoke members 156. Each reinforcing member 240 is notconnected outside of the first legs 226 of the pair of adjacent spokemembers 156. Thus, in the preferred embodiment with twelve (12) spokemembers 156, the reinforcing members 240 number six (6) and are spacedequidistantly from one another at an angle of sixty (6) degrees fromtheir centers. In the preferred embodiment with eight (8) spoke members156, the reinforcing members 240 number four (4) and are spacedequidistantly from one another at an angle of ninety (90) degrees fromtheir centers. The reinforcing members 240 are preferably positionedalternately with the reinforcing members 194, which are positioned alongthe inner surface 166 of the inner wall 164 of the side rim portion 160.

A reinforcing member 242 may be provided within the pocket 172. Eachreinforcing member 242 extends downwardly from a bottom surface 244 ofthe top rim portion 210 and extends circumferentially between eachreinforcing member 240 and the inner wall 164, but does not extend farenough down to impede the fourth portion 136 of the upstanding outerportion 116 of the pan member 104 from being inserted into the pocket172 for connection of the pan member 104 to the grill member 106.

From the peak portions 218 of the top rim portion 210 of the rim member154, each of the spoke members 156 preferably extends inwardly andupwardly. More specifically, and as best illustrated in FIG. 15, eachspoke member 156 has a first, second, third, fourth and fifth portion244, 246, 248, 250, 252. From the top rim portion 210, the first portion244 curves inwardly and upwardly such that the outer surface 236 of thesecond leg 228 is convex. From the first portion 244, the second portion246 curves inwardly and upwardly such that the outer surface 236 of thesecond leg 228 is concave. From the second portion 246, the thirdportion 248 extends inwardly and upwardly and is nearly planar with thevertical. From the third portion 248, the fourth portion 250 curvesinwardly and upwardly such that the outer surface 236 of the second leg228 is convex. From the fourth portion 250, the fifth portion 252extends inwardly and upwardly and is nearly planar with the horizontal.The fifth portion 252 also connects to the collar member 158. Thisstructure of the spoke members 156 prevents larger birds from climbinginto the feeder assembly 100 while feeding therefrom and also allows fora front portion of a bird's body to conform thereagainst when the birdfeeds from the feeder assembly 100 such that detrimental physicaleffects to the body of the bird are not caused, or are at leastminimized, when the bird feeds from the feeder assembly 100, as will bediscussed further herein under the heading “Bird Welfare Features Of TheFeeder Assembly 100”. It should be noted that the configuration of thespoke members 156 could be formed in a manner other than describedhereinabove in order to achieve the objects of the invention such thatlarger birds would not be able to climb into the feeder assembly 100 andsuch that a front portion of a bird's body can conform thereagainst whenthe bird feeds from the feeder assembly 100 such that detrimentalphysical effects to the body of the bird are not caused, or are at leastminimized, when the bird feeds from the feeder assembly 100, as will bediscussed further herein.

The collar member 158 preferably includes a generally cylindricalportion 254 and an extension member 256 extending therefrom. Thecylindrical portion 254 has an aperture 258 therethrough which definesan aperture wall 260. As best illustrated in FIGS. 15-20, thecylindrical portion 254 is preferably of a uniform inner diameter from atop end 262 thereof to a bottom end 264 thereof. The top end 262 of thecylindrical portion 254 extends above the fifth portions 252 of thespoke members 156 while the bottom end 264 of the cylindrical portion254 extends down to approximately a position at which the third andfourth portions 248, 250 of the spoke members 156 connect.

The cylindrical portion 254 has a plurality of grooves 266 cut into theaperture wall 260. The grooves 266 extend from the top end 262 of thecylindrical portion 254 to the bottom end 264 of the cylindrical portion254. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of grooves 266 number six(6) and are spaced equidistantly from one another and, thus, arepositioned sixty (60) degrees apart from one another. The purpose of thegrooves 266 will be discussed with more detail herein.

The cylindrical portion 254 has a helical thread 268 winding inwardlyaround the aperture wall 260. The helical thread 268 begins at one ofthe grooves 266 proximate to the top end 262 of the cylindrical portion254 and winds around the aperture wall 260 until it returns to thegroove 266 at which it started. The helical thread 268 ends at aposition which is approximately midway between the top end 262 and thebottom end 264 of the cylindrical portion 254. The helical thread 268 iscut away at the grooves 266 such that the helical thread 268 is onlypreferably provided along the aperture wall 260 where the grooves 266are not provided. The purpose of the helical thread 268 will bediscussed with more detail herein.

The extension member 256 curves downwardly and outwardly from the topend 262 of the cylindrical portion 254. The extension member 256preferably has a first portion 270, a second portion 272 and a thirdportion 274. The first portion 270 of the extension member 256 curvesdownwardly and outwardly from the top end 262 of the cylindrical portion254 such that a top surface 276 thereof is convex. The second portion272 of the extension member 256 curves downwardly and outwardly from thefirst portion 270 of the extension member 256 such that a top surface278 thereof is concave. The third portion 274 of the extension member256 extends downwardly from the second portion 272 of the extensionmember 256 and is parallel to the cylindrical portion 254. The fifthportion 252 of each of the spoke members 156 connects to the extensionmember 256 with the first leg 226 being connected to the third portion274 and the second leg 228 being connected to the extension member 256at the connection of the second portion 272 and the third portion 274.

The top surface 276 of the first portion 270 and the top end 262 of thecylindrical portion 254 can also have a plurality of indicators 280placed thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the indicators 280 number six(6) and are positioned equidistantly around the top surface 276 of thefirst portion 270 and the top end 262 of the cylindrical portion 254such that they are spaced sixty (60) degrees apart. The indicators 280are preferably alternated with the grooves 266 and spaced equidistantlytherebetween such that each indicator 280 is positioned thirty (30)degrees apart from the two closest grooves 266. The indicators 280 arepreferably numerals, i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The purpose of theindicators 280 will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow.

Outer Drop Tube Member 108

Attention is now directed to the outer drop tube member 108, which isbest illustrated in FIGS. 23–28.

The outer drop tube member 108 includes a member 282 having an aperture284 therethrough such that the member 282 is hollow. The member 282preferably has a first portion 286, a second portion 288, a thirdportion 290, a fourth portion 292, a fifth portion 294, and a sixthportion 296. The first portion 286 extends upwardly and inwardly from abottom end 298 of the member 282 to a first end of the second portion288 such that the member 282 has an inner diameter proximate to thebottom end 298 thereof which is larger than an inner diameter proximateto the first end of the second portion 288. The second portion 288extends inwardly from the first end thereof to a first end of the thirdportion 290 such that the member 282 has an inner diameter proximate tothe first end of the third portion 290 which is slightly smaller thanthe inner diameter proximate to the first end of the second portion 288.The third portion 290 extends upwardly and inwardly from the first endthereof to a first end of the fourth portion 292 such that the member282 has an inner diameter proximate to the first end of the fourthportion 292 which is smaller than the inner diameter proximate to thefirst end of the third portion 290. The fourth portion 292 extendsupwardly and inwardly from the first end thereof to a first end of thefifth portion 294 such that the member 282 has an inner diameterproximate to the first end of the fifth portion 294 which is smallerthan the inner diameter proximate to the first end of the fourth portion292. The fifth portion 294 extends inwardly from the first end thereofto a first end of the sixth portion 296 such that the member 282 has aninner diameter proximate to the first end of the sixth portion 296 whichis slightly smaller than the inner diameter proximate to the first endof the fifth portion 294. The sixth portion 296 extends upwardly fromthe first end thereof to a top end 300 of the member 282, such that themember 282 has an inner diameter at the top end 300 thereof which isequivalent to the inner diameter proximate to the first end of the sixthportion 296.

The outer drop tube member 108 further preferably includes a pluralityof wing members 302 extending therefrom. The wing members 302 areconnected to an outer surface 304 of the member 282 along the first,second and third portions 286, 288, 290 thereof. The wing members 302are curved outwardly and downwardly from the outer surface 304 of themember 282 such that a bottom end 306 of the wing members 302 ispositioned below the bottom end 298 of the member 282, thus allowing theaperture 284 of the member 282 to be open at the bottom end 298 thereof.The bottom end 306 of the wing members 302 is preferably flat orhorizontal. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of wing members 302number eight (8) and are positioned equidistantly apart from oneanother, such that each wing member 302 is positioned forty-five (45)degrees apart from one another. It should be noted that the outer droptube member 108 could be provided without the wing members 302 ifdesired.

The outer drop tube member 108 further includes a plurality of windowsor openings 308. Each window 308 is cut out from portions of the second,third and fourth portions 288, 290, 292 of the member 282. In apreferred embodiment, each window or opening 308 defines a first edge310, a second edge 312, a third edge 314, a fourth edge 316, a fifthedge 318, a sixth edge 320, and a seventh edge 322, as best illustratedin FIGS. 23 and 48.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 27, the first edge 310 extendshorizontally along the fourth portion 292 of the member 282 proximate tothe connection of the fourth portion 292 to the third portion 290. Froma first end of the first edge 310, the second edge 312 extendsdownwardly and to the right to the third edge 314 in a concave manner.From a first end of the second edge 312, the third edge 314 extendsangularly downwardly and to the right to the fourth edge 316. From afirst end of the third edge 314, the fourth edge 316 extends downwardlyand to the right to the fifth edge 318 in a convex manner. From a firstend of the fourth edge 316, the fifth edge 318 extends horizontally andto the left to the sixth edge 320. The fifth edge 318 is parallel to thefirst edge 310 and is provided at, or proximate to, the connection ofthe first portion 286 to the second portion 288. From a first end of thefifth edge 318, the sixth edge 320 extends angularly upwardly and to theleft to the seventh edge 322. The sixth edge 320 is preferably parallelto the third edge 314. From a first end of the sixth edge 320, theseventh edge 322 extends upwardly and to the left to the first edge 310in a concave manner.

In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of windows 308 number four(4) and are positioned equidistantly from one another, such that likeportions of the windows 308 are positioned ninety (90) degrees from oneanother. Each window 308 is positioned such that the fifth edge 318 isbetween two adjacent wing members 302 with the connection between thefourth and fifth edges 316, 318 being proximate to one of the adjacentwind members 302, and such that the first and sixth edges 310, 320 arepositioned above the other one of the adjacent wing members 302. Itshould be noted that the configurations of the windows 308 could beformed in a manner other than as described to achieve the objects of theinvention.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, the outer drop tube member 108preferably includes portions 324 which extend upwardly and inwardly fromthe bottom end 298 of the member 282 along an inner surface 326 of thefirst portion 286 such that the portions 324 form a shoulder or ledge328 below the fifth edge 318 of each window 308. In a preferredembodiment, the portions 324 number four (4) and are spacedequidistantly apart from one another, such that the portions 324 arespaced ninety (90) degrees apart from one another. The purpose of theportions 324 will be discussed further herein.

The outer drop tube member 108 further preferably includes a helicaltrack which is preferably a pair of helical threads 330, 332 which windaround the outer surface 304 of the sixth portion 296 of the member 282.The helical threads 330, 332 begin winding proximate to the top end 300of the member 282 to a position approximately lower than the midpointbetween the top end 300 and the connection between the fifth and sixthportions 294, 296.

The helical threads 330, 332 are spaced apart from one another adistance which is slightly larger than the size of the helical thread268 of the collar member 158 of the grill member 106.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 26–28, the outer drop tube member108 further preferably includes at least one retractable portion 334.Each retractable portion 334 is formed on the sixth portion 296 of themember 282 approximately at the midpoint between the top end 300 and theconnection between the fifth and sixth portions 294, 296. Theretractable portion 334 is formed by a pair of notches 336, 338 oneither side thereof which extend from a top of the retractable portion334 to a bottom of the retractable portion 334.

The retractable portion 334 also has a protrusion 340 extendingoutwardly therefrom The protrusion 340 is capable of extending into thegrooves 266 of the collar member 154 of the grill member 106 as will bediscussed in more detail herein and, during rotation of the outer droptube member 108 relative to the grill member 106, allows the retractableportion 334 to be flexed inwardly when the protrusion 340 is notextended within one of the grooves 266 of the collar member 154. In thepreferred embodiment, the retractable portions 334 number two (2) andare positioned equidistantly from one another such that they arepositioned one-hundred eighty (180) degrees from one another. Thehelical threads 330, 332 are cut away where they cross the retractableportion(s) 334.

The outer drop tube member 108 further preferably includes a top member342 on the member 282. The top member 342 extends perpendicularlyinwardly from the top end 300 of the sixth portion 296 of the member282. The top member 342 covers a portion of the aperture 284 at the topend 300 of the member 282.

The outer drop tube member 108 further preferably includes an innercylindrical portion 344, as best illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26. Theinner cylindrical portion 344 extends within the aperture 284 of themember 282 downwardly from the top member 342 of the member 282 to aposition approximately equivalent to where the protrusion 340 isprovided. The inner cylindrical portion 344 is of a uniform diameter anddefines an aperture 346 therein.

The outer drop tube member 108 further preferably includes a conduitacceptor member 348. The conduit acceptor member 348 has an aperture 350therethrough which is in communication with the aperture 346 of theinner cylindrical portion 344 and, thus, the aperture 284 of the member282. The conduit acceptor member 348 extends upwardly from the topmember 342 of the member 282, but does not cover the entire top member342.

The conduit acceptor member 348 generally includes a first side member352, a second side member 354 and an arced intermediate member 356. Thefirst and second side members 352, 354 are identical and are distancedfrom one another a predetermined distance and have circular openings 358therethrough. Tops of the first and second side members 352, 354 arealso arced in conformance with the circular openings 358. The arcedintermediate member 356 is generally an upside down U-shaped piece andgenerally extends from the top member 342 between the first and secondside members 352, 354 along their respective edges back to the topmember 342. The feed supply conduit 102 is capable of extending throughthe openings 358 of the first and second side members 352, 354 and ofallowing feed to drop therefrom into the aperture 350 of the conduitacceptor member 348.

One side of the arced intermediate member 356 preferably has anindicator 357 provided thereon. The indicator 357 is preferably an arrowwhich is pointing down toward the top member 342 of the outer drop tubemember 108. The purpose for the indicator 357 will be discussed furtherherein under the section heading “Adjustable Lower Feed Gate G-1”.

The openings 358 further have notches 360 therein at the top thereof toaccept a protrusion (not shown) of the feed supply conduit 102 toprevent the feed assembly 100 from being moved relative to the feedsupply conduit 102.

It should be noted that the configuration of the conduit acceptor member348 may be formed to fit over various types of feed supply conduits.

In a preferred embodiment, the conduit acceptor member 348 furtherincludes at least one member 362 extending upwardly from the arcedintermediate member 356 which is capable of accepting and retaining aroost wire. The member 362 preferably has reinforcing members 364extending from the member 362 to the arced intermediate member 356.

A plurality of reinforcing members 366 which extend from both the firstand second side members 352, 354 to the top member 342 of the member 282are preferably provided. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcingmembers 366 number four (4) with two (2) of the reinforcing members 366extending from the first side member 352 to the top member 342 of themember 282 and two (2) of the reinforcing members 366 extending from thesecond side member 354 to the top member 342 of the member 282.

The top member 342 further preferably has at least one aperture 368therethrough proximate to the conduit acceptor member 348. The aperture368 defines both inner and outer edges 370, 372 which are curved andassists in the rotation of the inner drop tube member 110 relative tothe outer drop tube member 108 in a manner and for a purpose which willbe described in detail herein. It should be noted that in the preferredembodiment, only one (1) aperture 368 is provided in the top member 342,but that two (2) apertures 368 could also be provided if desired.

Inner Drop Tube Member 110

Attention is now directed to the inner drop tube member 110, as bestillustrated in FIGS. 29–33. The inner drop tube member 110 is sized tofit within the aperture 284 of the member 282 of the outer drop tubemember 108.

The inner drop tube member 110 preferably includes a member 374 havingan aperture 376 therethrough such that the inner drop tube member 110 ishollow. The member 374 preferably has a first portion 378, a secondportion 380, a third portion 382, a fourth portion 384, a fifth portion386, and a sixth portion 388. The upstanding inner portion 114 of thepan member 104 is capable of protruding into the aperture 376 of themember 374 with the point 128 being within the fifth portion 386 of themember 374 for reasons discussed herein.

The first portion 378 of the member 374 extends angularly upwardly andslightly inwardly from a bottom end 390 of the member 374 to a first endof the second portion 380 such that the member 374 has an outer diameterproximate to the bottom end 390 thereof which is larger than an outerdiameter thereof proximate to the first end of the second portion 380.

From the first portion 378, the second portion 380 extends inwardly fromthe first end thereof to a first end of the third portion 382 such thatthe member 374 has an outer diameter proximate to the first end of thethird portion 382 which is smaller than the outer diameter thereofproximate to the first end of the second portion 380.

From the second portion 380, the third portion 382 extends upwardly fromthe first end thereof to a first end of the fourth portion 384 such thatthe member 374 has an outer diameter proximate to the first end of thefourth portion 384 which is substantially equivalent to the outerdiameter thereof proximate to the first end of the third portion 382.

From the third portion 382, the fourth portion 384 extends angularlyupwardly and inwardly from the first end thereof to a first end of thefifth portion 386 such that the member 374 has an outer diameterproximate to the first end of the fifth portion 386 which is smallerthan the outer diameter thereof proximate to the first end of the fourthportion 384.

From the fourth portion 384, the fifth portion 386 extends upwardly fromthe first end thereof to a top end 392 of the member 374. The fifthportion 386 extends to a position which is slightly smaller than aheight of the top member 342 when the inner drop tube member 110 ispositioned within the outer drop tube member 108. The fifth portion 386is parallel with the third portion 382.

The sixth portion 388 extends inwardly from the fifth portion 386 at thetop end 392 of the member 374. A generally circular opening 394 isprovided through the center of the sixth portion 288.

The inner drop tube member 110 further includes a plurality of openings396. The openings 396 are cut out from portions of the first and secondportions 378, 380 of the member 374. Each opening 396 is defined by atop edge 398, which is a bottom edge of the third portion 382 to whichthe second portion 380 would connect to the third portion 382. Eachopening 396 is further defined by a first side edge 400 and a secondside edge 402. The first side edge 400 extends downwardly from one endof the top edge 398 along the entire second portion 380 and along theentire first portion 378 to the bottom end 390 of the member 374.Similarly, the second side edge 402 extends downwardly from the otherend of the top edge 398 along the entire second portion 380 and alongthe entire first portion 378 to the bottom end 390 of the member 374.Thus, each opening 396 is open at the bottom end 390 of the member 374,such that the openings 396 are not bounded by a bottom edge.

For each opening 396 provided in the inner drop tube member 110, theinner drop tube member 110 further includes first and second protrusions404, 406 which extend outwardly from the first portion 378 of the member374.

The first protrusion 404 extends outwardly from the first portion 378 ofthe member 374 along the entire length of the first side edge 400. Thefirst protrusion 404 has an inner edge (not shown), an outer edge 408, atop edge 410, and a bottom edge 412. The inner edge of the firstprotrusion 404 is positioned along the entire length of the firstportion 378 of the member 374 along the first side edge 400. The topedge 410 extends angularly downwardly and outwardly to the outer edge408 from a top of the inner edge, which is provided at the connection ofthe first portion 378 to the second portion 380. The bottom edge 412extends angularly downwardly and outwardly to the outer edge 408 from abottom of the inner edge, which is provided at the bottom end 390 of themember 374. The outer edge 408, thus, extends from between the top andbottom edges 410, 412. Thus, the first protrusion 404 extends below thebottom end 390 of the member 374. The first protrusion 404 furtherincludes a lip portion 414 which extends outwardly from the outer edge408 of the first protrusion 404 proximate to the junction of the outeredge 408 and the bottom edge 412.

Similarly, the second protrusion 406 extends outwardly from the firstportion 378 of the member 374 along the entire length of the second sideedge 402. The second protrusion 406 has an inner edge (not shown), anouter edge 416, a top edge 418, and a bottom edge 420. The inner edge ofthe second protrusion 406 is positioned along the entire length of thefirst portion 378 of the member 374 along the second side edge 402. Thetop edge 418 extends angularly downwardly and outwardly to the outeredge 416 from a top of the inner edge, which is provided at theconnection of the first portion 378 to the second portion 380. Thebottom edge 420 extends angularly downwardly and outwardly to the outeredge 416 from a bottom of the inner edge, which is provided at thebottom end 390 of the member 374. The outer edge 416, thus, extends frombetween the top and bottom edges 418, 420. Thus, the second protrusion406 extends below the bottom end 390 of the member 374. The secondprotrusion 406 further includes a lip portion 422 which extendsoutwardly from the outer edge 416 of the second protrusion 406 proximateto the junction of the outer edge 416 and the bottom edge 420.

The inner drop tube member 110 further includes a ring member 424. Thering member 424 has an inner surface 426, an outer surface 428, a topsurface 430, and a bottom surface 432. The ring member 424 has an innerdiameter which is sized such that the lip portions 414, 422 of each ofthe first and second protrusions 404, 406 provided on the member 374 areconnected to the ring member 424 at the inner surface 426 thereof. Thus,the inner drop tube member 110 provides a plurality of windows 434 whichare defined by the top edge 398, the first side edge 400, the firstprotrusion 404, the ring member 424, the second protrusion 406, and thesecond side edge 402. The outer surface 428 of the ring member 424 isthus sized to fit within the aperture 284 of the member 282 with thebottom surface 432 of the ring member 424 capable of resting on theshoulders or ledges 328 of the member 324.

The inner drop tube member 110 may further include a plurality of thirdprotrusions 436 which extend outwardly from the first portion 378 of themember 374. Each third protrusion 436 is provided equidistantly betweena first protrusion 404 along one of the windows 434 and a secondprotrusion 406 along an adjacent one of the windows 434. The thirdprotrusion 436 has an inner edge (not shown), an outer edge 438, a topedge 440, and a bottom edge 442. The inner edge of the third protrusion436 is positioned against the first portion 378 and extends from thebottom end 390 of the member 374 approximately one-third of the distanceas does the first and second protrusions 404, 406. The top edge 440extends angularly downwardly and outwardly to the outer edge 438 from atop of the inner edge. The bottom edge 442 extends angularly downwardlyand outwardly to the outer edge 438 from a bottom of the inner edge,which is provided at the bottom end 390 of the member 374. The outeredge 438, thus, extends from between the top and bottom edges 440, 442.Thus, the third protrusion 436 extends below the bottom end 390 of themember 374. The third protrusion 436 further includes a lip portion 444which extends outwardly from the outer edge 438 of the third protrusion436 proximate to the junction of the outer edge 438 and the bottom edge442. The lip member 444 is connected to the ring member 424 at the innersurface thereof. The third protrusion 436 provides added strength to theinner drop tube member 110, especially to the ring member 424.

The fourth and fifth portions 384, 386 of the inner drop tube member 110further preferably include a plurality of cavities 446 which extend fromwithin the third portion 382 toward the top end 392 of the member 374.The cavities 446 are covered by protrusions 448. Each cavity 446 is incommunication with the aperture 376 of the member 374. In a preferredembodiment, the plurality of protrusions 448 number two (2) and arepositioned equidistantly from one another such that they are positionedone-hundred eighty (180) degrees from one another. Preferably, theprotrusions 448 extend the entire height of the fifth portion 386 fromthe fourth portion 384 to the top end 392 of the member 374. Each of theportions 448 are preferably not in vertical alignment with any of thewindows 434. The protrusions 448 help to keep the inner drop tube member110 centered within the outer drop tube member 108, and also creates agap between the inner drop tube member 110 and the outer drop tubemember 108 in order to prevent a buildup of feed or dust between theinner drop tube member 110 and the outer drop tube member 108 whichwould hinder rotation of the inner drop tube member 110 relative to theouter drop tube member 108. The cavities 446 are provided because of theformation of the protrusions 448.

The inner drop tube member 110 further preferably includes a pluralityof slots 450 therethrough. Each slot 450 is generally vertical andextends through the second portion 380 of the member 374, and cutsthrough the third portion 382 and a portion of the fourth portion 384.In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of slots 450 number four (4)such that they are separated from one another by ninety (90) degrees.Each slot 450 is preferably situated between two (2) of the windows 434.The slots 450 allow feed or dust in the gap between the inner and outerdrop tube members 110, 108 to fall through the inner drop tube member110 and into the pan member 104.

The inner drop tube member 110 further includes an extension member 451which extends upwardly from one of the protrusions 448 which extends tothe top end 392 of the member 374. The extension member 451 is generallya circular cylinder and has an aperture 453 extending therethrough whichdefines an aperture wall 455. The aperture 453 is in communication withthe cavity 446 of the one protrusion 448.

Inner Drop Tube Actuator 112

Attention is now directed to the inner drop tube actuator 112, which isbest illustrated in FIGS. 1–5 and 34–42. Three different types of innerdrop tube actuators 112 a, 112 b and 112 c are described herein. Innerdrop tube actuator 112 a is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 34–37; inner droptube actuator 112 b is illustrated in FIGS. 2–5 and 38–39; and innerdrop tube actuator 112 c is illustrated in FIGS. 40–42. It should benoted that the three inner drop tube actuators 112 a, 112 b and 112 care the preferred configurations of the inner drop tube actuator 112,with inner drop tube actuator 112 c being the most preferredconfiguration of the inner drop tube actuator 112.

Attention is directed to inner drop tube actuator 112 a and FIGS. 1 and34–37. When the inner drop tube actuator 112 a is moved linearly, theinner drop tube member 110 is forced to rotate within the outer droptube member 108 for reasons which will be discussed further herein. Itshould further be noted that any means moved linearly to force the innerdrop tube member 110 to rotate is to be considered analogous and/orequivalent to the inner drop tube actuator 112 a.

Inner drop tube actuator 112 a is formed to fit over and move along thefeed supply conduit 102. The inner drop tube actuator 112 a preferablyincludes a first end member 452, a second end member 454, and a pair ofmiddle members 456, 458 connecting the first end member 452 to thesecond end member 454. As the first and second end members 452, 454 areidentical to one another, the structure of the first and second endmembers 452, 454 will be described in connection with only the first endmember 452 with the understanding that for every item identified inconnection with the first end member 452, the same will apply to thesecond end member 454. Like reference numerals will be used to describeboth the first and second end members 452, 454.

The first end member 452 has a top surface 460 and a bottom surface 462.The first end member 452 further has a first side edge 464, a secondside edge 466, an inner edge 468, and an outer edge 470. The first endmember 452 is generally an upside down U-shape such that a top portionof the inner and outer edges 468, 470 are convex when viewed inside-elevational view (see FIG. 35) such that the first end member 452can be positioned around the feed supply conduit 102. The first endmember 452 also includes a generally circular opening 472 therethroughat a middle or peak 474 thereof. A generally circular cylindrical member476 having an aperture 478 therethrough extends upwardly from the middle474. The aperture 478 of the circular cylindrical member 476 is incommunication with the opening 472. A top edge 480 of the circularcylindrical member 476 preferably includes a pair of notches 482, 484which are equidistant from one another with one facing toward the outeredge 470 and the other facing toward the inner edge 468.

The first end member 452 further includes a pair of reinforcing members486, 488. The reinforcing member 486 extends from the first side edge464 of the first end member 452 along the top surface 460 thereof, tothe circular cylindrical member 476, equidistant from both of thenotches 482, 484. The reinforcing member 488 extends from the secondside edge 466 of the first end member 452, along the top surface 460thereof, to the circular cylindrical member 476, equidistant from bothof the notches 482, 484.

The first middle member 456 includes a middle portion 490 and first andsecond curved end portions 492, 494. The middle portion 490 is generallyrectangular in configuration. The first curved end portion 492 connectsto both the middle portion 490 at one end thereof and to a bottomportion of the first end member 452 along the inner edge 468 thereofproximate to the first side edge 464 thereof. The second curved endportion 494 connects to both the middle portion 490 at an opposite endthereof and to a bottom portion of the second end member 454 along theinner edge 468 thereof proximate to the first side edge 464 thereof. Thecurved end portions 492, 494 curve outwardly from the end members 452,454.

The first middle member 456 further includes a portion 496 which extendsoutwardly from, and perpendicularly to, a bottom edge 498 of the middleportion 490 of the first middle member 456.

The first middle member 456 further includes a pair of spaced apartreinforcing members 500, 502 which are connected to both the portion 496and the middle portion 490.

The second middle member 458 includes a middle portion 504 and first andsecond curved end portions 506, 508. The middle portion 504 is generallyrectangular in configuration. The first curved end portion 506 connectsto both the middle portion 504 at one end thereof and to a bottomportion of the first end member 452 along the inner edge 468 thereofproximate to the second side edge 466 thereof. The second curved endportion 508 connects to both the middle portion 504 at an opposite endthereof and to a bottom portion of the second end member 454 along theinner edge 468 thereof proximate to the second side edge 466 thereof.The curved end portions 506, 508 curve outwardly from the end members452, 454.

The second middle member 458 further includes a portion 510 whichextends outwardly from, and perpendicularly to, a bottom edge 512 of themiddle portion 504 of the second middle member 458.

The second middle member 458 further includes a pair of spaced apartreinforcing members 514, 516 which are connected to both the portion 510and the middle portion 504.

The middle members 456, 458 are spaced far enough apart from one anothersuch that they do not become impeded by the conduit acceptor member 348of the outer drop tube member 108 when the inner drop tube member 112 ais moved, as will be described in more detail herein.

The portion 496 has a generally oval-shaped opening 518 therethrough forreasons which will be discussed herein. The extension member 451 of theinner drop tube member 110 is capable of extending through theoval-shaped opening 518. The reinforcing members 500, 502 are preferablypositioned on either side of the oval-shaped opening 518.

It should be noted that the configuration of the inner drop tubeactuator 112 a maybe formed to fit over and move linearly over varioustypes of feed supply conduits.

Attention is directed to inner drop tube actuator 112 b and FIGS. 2–5and 38–39. When the inner drop tube actuator 112 b is moved arcuately,the inner drop tube member 110 is forced to rotate within the outer droptube member 108 for reasons which will be discussed further herein. Itshould further be noted that any means moved arcuately to force theinner drop tube member 110 to rotate is to be considered analogousand/or equivalent to the inner drop tube actuator 112 b.

The inner drop tube actuator 112 b includes an L-bracket 520, a firstfastening member 522, a second fastening member 524, and a nut member526.

The L-bracket 520 has a first member 528 and a second member 530 whichare connected to one another and are perpendicular to one another. Thefirst member 528 has an aperture (not shown) therethrough. The aperturehas a diameter which is equivalent to, or approximately equivalent to, adiameter of the aperture 453 of the extension 451 of the inner drop tubemember 110. The second member 530 has an aperture (not shown)therethrough.

The first fastening member 522 is preferably a screw having a headportion 536 and a threaded shank portion 538 extending therefrom. Thehead portion 536 is larger than the diameters of the aperture 453 of theextension 451 of the inner drop tube member 110 and the aperture 532 ofthe L-shaped bracket 520. The threaded shank portion 538 is sized to fitwithin the aperture 453 and the aperture of the first member 528 of theL-bracket 520 such that the threaded shank portion 538 engages theaperture wall 455 of the extension 451.

The second fastening member 524 is preferably a screw having a headportion 540 and a threaded shank portion 542 extending therefrom. Thehead portion 540 has a diameter which is larger than a diameter of theaperture through the second member 530 of the L-bracket 520. Thethreaded shank portion 542 is sized to fit through the aperture 534 ofthe second member 530 of the L-bracket 520. The threaded shank portion542 has a slot 544 provided therethrough which extends from an endthereof toward the head portion 540.

The nut member 526 is preferably a wing nut which has an aperture 546therein defining an aperture wall 548. The aperture wall 548 ispreferably threaded. The aperture 546 is sized such that the threadedshank portion 542 of the second fastening member 524 can be insertedtherein and engage with the aperture wall 548. The aperture 546 ispreferably capped at one end thereof such that an extension member 550extends from the end toward the opening of the aperture 546 between theaperture wall 548.

Attention is directed to inner drop tube actuator 112 c and FIGS. 40–42.When the inner drop tube actuator 112 c is moved arcuately, the innerdrop tube member 10 is forced to rotate within the outer drop tubemember 108 for reasons which will be discussed further herein. It shouldfurther be noted that any means moved arcuately to force the inner droptube member 110 to rotate is to be considered analogous and/orequivalent to the inner drop tube actuator 112 c.

The inner drop tube actuator 112 c includes a first fastening member 552and a nut member 554.

The first fastening member 552 includes a base portion 556, a threadedshank portion 558, and a snap-in extension 560. The base portion 556preferably has a first face 562 and a second face 564. The second face564 is provided perpendicular to the first face 562.

The threaded shank portion 558 extends outwardly from the first face 562of the base portion 556. The threaded shank portion 558 has a slot 566provided therethrough which extends from an end thereof toward the firstface 562 of the base portion 556.

The snap-in extension 560 extends outwardly from the second face 564 ofthe base portion 556 such that the snap-in extension 560 isperpendicular to the threaded shank portion 558. At an end of thesnap-in extension 560 opposite of the second face 564 of the baseportion 556, the snap-in extension 560 has a pair of flexible prongmembers 568, 570 which are separated from one another by a crevice 572.Each of the prong members 568, 570 has a protrusion 574, 576 extendingperpendicularly outwardly therefrom proximate to the end of the snap-inextension 560 opposite the second face 564 of the base portion 556, suchthat shoulders 578, 580 are provided on each of the prong members 568,570.

The nut member 554 is preferably a wing nut which has an aperture 582therein defining an aperture wall 584. The aperture wall 584 ispreferably threaded. The aperture 582 is sized such that the threadedshank portion 558 of the first fastening member 552 can be insertedtherein and engage with the aperture wall 584. The aperture 582 ispreferably capped at one end thereof such that an extension member 586extends from the end toward the opening of the aperture 582 between theaperture wall 584.

The structure and parts of the feeder assembly 100 as describedhereinabove have numerous advantages over feeder assemblies of the priorart which will be discussed in connection with the operation of thefeeder assembly 100 hereinbelow.

Operation of the Feeder Assembly 100 Assembly of the Feeder Assembly 100

In order to utilize the feeder assembly 100, the parts of the feederassembly 100 must first be assembled to that as best illustrated inFIGS. 1–5 and 40.

The inner drop tube member 110 is positioned within the aperture 284 ofthe member 282 of the outer drop tube member 108 with the bottom surface432 of the ring member 424 of the inner drop tube member 110 beingpositioned on the ledges 328 of the outer drop tube member 108. Thefifth portion 386 of the inner drop tube member 110 is positioned aroundthe inner cylindrical portion 344 of the outer drop tube member 108.

The conduit acceptor member 348 of the outer drop tube member 108 ispositioned around the feed supply conduit 102 with an opening (notshown) in the feed supply conduit 102 being in communication with theapertures 282, 346, of the outer drop tube member 108.

When the inner drop tube actuator 112 a is utilized (see FIG. 1), it ispositioned around the feed supply conduit 102 with the first and secondend members 452, 454 being positioned on the feed supply conduit 102 oneither side of the conduit acceptor member 348 and with the first andsecond middle members 456, 458 being positioned on either side of theconduit acceptor member 348. The extension member 451 extends throughthe aperture 368 of the outer drop tube member 108 and through theoval-shaped opening 518 of the inner drop tube actuator 112 a.

When the inner drop tube actuator 112 b is utilized (see FIGS. 2–5), thefirst member 528 of the L-bracket 520 is positioned on top of theextension member 451 such that the aperture 532 of the L-bracket 520 isin communication with the aperture 453 of the extension member 451. Thethreaded shank portion 538 of the first fastening member 522 is theninserted through the aperture 532 of the L-bracket 520 and into theaperture 453 of the extension member 451 such that the threaded shankportion 538 engages the aperture wall 455 of the extension member 451.The threaded shank portion 538 is inserted into the aperture 453 of theextension member 451 until the head portion 536 of the first fasteningmember 522 abuts against the first member 528 of the L-bracket 520.Thus, the L-bracket 520 is secured to the inner drop tube member 110.The threaded shank portion 542 of the second fastening member 524 isthen inserted through the aperture 534 of the second member 530 of theL-bracket 520 until the head portion 540 abuts against the second member530 of the L-bracket 520. The nut member 526 is then threadedly attachedto the second fastening member 524 with the extension member 550 of thenut member 526 being positioned within the slot 544 of the secondfastening member 524.

When the inner drop tube actuator 112 c is utilized (see FIG. 40), theaperture 453 of the extension member 451 is provided with a widerdiameter portion such that a shoulder 588 is provided on the wall 455 ofthe aperture 453. The prong members 568, 570 of the inner drop tubeactuator 112 c are flexed inwardly and inserted into the aperture 453 ofthe extension member 451. The protrusions 574, 576 of the prong members568, 570 are configured to fit within the wider diameter portion of theaperture 453 of the extension member 451 such that the prong members568, 570 are unflexed and are secured within the aperture 453 of theextension member 451 with the shoulders 578, 580 of the prong members568, 570 being abutted against the shoulder 588 of the extension member451. The nut member 554 is then threadedly attached to the threadedshank portion 558 of the first fastening member 552 with the extensionmember 586 of the nut member 554 being positioned within the slot 566 ofthe threaded shank portion 558.

The grill member 106 is positioned around, and connected to, the outerdrop tube member 108. The helical thread 268 of the grill member 106 ispositioned between the helical threads 330, 332 of the outer drop tubemember 108 such that the grill member 106 can be rotatably movedrelative to the outer drop tube member 108. The protrusions 340 on theouter drop tube member 108 are temporarily locked into position withinthe grooves 266 of the grill member 106.

The grill member 106 is connected to the pan member 104. The upstandingouter portion 116 of the pan member 104 is positioned within the pocket172 of the grill member 106 and is locked to the pan member 104 by thetab member 196 of the grill member 106 being positioned within therecess of one of the extensions 138 of the pan member 104. As there area plurality of extensions 138 around the circumference of the pan member104, the tab member 196 can be positioned within the recess of any oneof the extensions 138 on the pan member 104, thus allowing for the easyconnection of the grill member 106 to the pan member 104 as the grillmember 106 and the pan member 104 need not be rotated relative to oneanother by more than sixty (60) degrees, in the preferred embodiment, inorder to connect the grill member 106 to the pan member 104.

The upstanding inner portion 114 of the pan member 104 extends up intothe aperture 376 of the inner drop tube member 110 and the aperture 284of the outer drop tube member 108.

The wing members 302 of the outer drop tube member 108 are preferablypositioned above the base portion 118 of the pan member 104 such thatthe apertures 376, 284 of the inner and outer drop tube members 110,108, respectively, are in communication with the pan member 104 todefine a first or lower gate G-1 which is preferably always provided forin the feeder assembly 100.

Reduction of Birds Raking Feed within the Feed Assembly 100

The positioning of the wing members 302 which extend over the pan member104 helps to reduce the amount of feed presented in the pan member 104which the birds are capable of raking as the raking of feed canpotentially cause the feed to become contaminated. Thus, because thebirds cannot rake feed presented in the pan member 104 as freely as theycould in some pan members of the prior art, the birds cannot rake thefeed out of the pan member 104 onto the feeding surface of the poultryhouse where the feed will come into contact with waste and dirt, thuscontaminating the feed.

Thus, the positioning of the wing members 302 within or on the panmember 104 provides a number of advantages and benefits to the overallgrowth and health of the birds, and to the poultry grower's costs andexpenses involved in growing the birds.

Adjustable Upper and Lower Feed Gates

In accordance with the invention, the feeder assembly 100 can be used topresent feed to birds of any size, whether they be young, small,immature birds, or older, larger, more mature birds. When birds areyoung and small, the birds typically require a generally high feed levelin the pan member 104 so that the birds can find the feed and gainaccess to the feed. As the birds grow older and larger, the birds areable to find and gain access to the feed from interior portions of thepan member 104 and can obtain feed from raised pan members 104 ifnecessary. Thus, it is very desirable to be able to configure the feedlevel within the pan member 104 to any number of different heights,regardless of whether the feeder assemblies 100 are positioned on thefeeding surface or are raised off of the feeding surface.

Adjustable Lower Feed Gate G-1

The height of the lower feed gate G-1 can be adjusted, as desired by thepoultry grower. The indicators 280 on the grill member 106, when inalignment with the arrow indicator 357 from the outer drop tube member108, identify the height of the lower feed gate G-1. When the allowindicator 357 is in alignment with the indicator 280 numbered “1”, thepoultry grower knows that the smallest height of the lower feed gate G-1is being provided, and that the feeder 100 is positively locked in thisposition because the protrusions 340 are positioned within the grooves266 of the grill member 106 which are provided at a 90 degree angle fromthe indicator 280 numbered “1”. Conversely, when the arrow indicator 357is in alignment with the indicator 280 numbered “6”, the poultry growerknows that the highest height of the lower feed gate G-1 is beingprovided, and that the feeder 100 is positively locked in this positionbecause the protrusions 340 are positioned within the grooves 266 of thegrill member 106 which are provided at a 90 degree angle from theindicator 280 numbered “6”. The arrow indicator 357 and the indicators280 allow for the easy sight adjustment of the height of the lower feedgate G-1 by the poultry grower, as well as also ensure to the poultrygrower that the feeder 100 is positively locked in such a position.

When the lower feed gate G-1 is at the smallest height, with the arrowindicator 357 being in alignment with the indicator 280 numbered “1”,the wing members 302 are positioned slightly above the base portion 118of the pan member 104. When the wing members 302 are positioned slightlyabove the base portion 118 of the pan member 104, the helical thread 268on the grill member 106 is meshed between the helical threads 330, 332on the outer drop tube member 108 and the protrusions 340 on the outerdrop tube member 108 are positioned within, and at a bottom of, thegrooves 266 of the grill member 106 which are provided at a 90 degreeangle from the indicator 280 numbered “1”. It should be noted that ifthe wing members 302 were not provided on the outer drop tube member108, and if the helical threads 280, 330, 332 were configured properly,the lower feed gate G-1 could be closed as the bottom end 298 of themember 282 could be positioned on the base portion 118 of the pan member104.

In order for the poultry grower to increase the height of the lower feedgate G-1 to provide more feed within the pan member 104 and to provide ahigher feed level within the pan member 104, the poultry grower rotatesthe grill member 106 relative to the outer drop tube member 108, whichis rotationally stable, such that the helical thread 268 of the grillmember 106 rotates downwardly within and between the helical threads330, 332 of the outer drop tube member 108, thus rotating the grillmember 106 downwardly relative to the outer drop tube member 108. At thesame time, the protrusions 340 on the outer drop tube member 108 arecapable of being flexed inwardly and out of the grooves 266 of the grillmember 106, as it is provided for on a retractable portion 334 of theouter drop tube member 108. As the grill member 106 is rotateddownwardly relative to the outer drop tube member 108, the protrusions340 will again protract into other grooves 266 of the grill member 106to help retain the outer drop tube member 108 in the desired positionbased on the desired height of the lower feed gate G-1.

Thus, the poultry grower can easily adjust the height of the lower feedgate G-1 to provide for different levels and amounts of feed to bepresented and retained by the pan member 104 by merely rotating thegrill member 106 relative to the outer drop tube member 108, with morefeed being presented when the lower feed gate G-1 is at a height definedby the arrow indicator 357 being in alignment with the indicator 280numbered “6”, as illustrated in FIG. 43, than at a height defined by thearrow indicator 357 being in alignment with the indicator 280 numbered“1”, as illustrated in FIGS. 45 and 47.

The adjustment of the lower feed gate G-1 is performed without thelowering of the feeder assembly 100 to the feeding surface or theraising of the feeder assembly 100 off of the feeding surface.

It should be noted that the adjustment of the height of the lower feedgate G-1 is performed by the poultry grower without the poultry growerhaving to reach his/her hand into an inner portion of the feederassembly as is required with prior art feeder assemblies. Rather, thepoultry grower need only manipulate an exterior portion of the grillmember 106 in order to change the size of the lower feed gate G-1. Thus,adjustment is facilitated and possible injuries to the poultry growerare eliminated as the poultry grower does not need to reach within thefeeder assembly.

Adjustable Upper Feed Gate G-2

With the feeder assembly 100, the poultry grower has the option ofpresenting the feed in the pan member 104 to the birds anywhere from ahigh feed level to a low feed level.

The low feed level is presented to the birds in the pan member 104 whenthe windows 434 of the inner drop tube member 110 are not in alignmentwith the windows 308 of the outer drop tube member 108. Thus, when thewindows 308, 434 are not in alignment with one another, the windows 308are sealed off by the first, second and third portions 378, 380, 382 ofthe inner drop tube member 110, forcing the feed to flow only throughthe lower feed gate G-1.

In order to present a higher feed level to the birds in the pan member104, a second or upper feed gate G-2 is provided in the feeder assembly100 by aligning the windows 434 of the inner drop tube member 110 withthe windows 308 of the outer drop tube member 108. The upper feed gateG-2 is preferably a variable or adjustable feed gate as the feed levelpresented by the upper feed gate G-2 can be transitioned from a highlevel of feed to a low level of feed, with the low level of feed stillbeing higher than the feed level provided by the lower feed gate G-1.The upper feed gate G-2, however, could be provided such that it is nota variable feed gate by changing the configuration of either of thewindows 308, 434.

Preferably, for the highest feed level to be presented in the pan member104, the inner drop tube member 110 is rotated within and relative tothe outer drop tube member 108 such that the windows 434 of the innerdrop tube member 10 are positioned into alignment with an upper portionof the windows 308 of the outer drop tube member 108, proximate to thefirst, second, third, sixth and seventh edges 310, 312, 314, 320, 322such that feed flows through the upper feed gate G-2 and into the panmember 104, as illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 44. The highest feed levelwill typically be utilized for very young and small birds. The operationof how the inner drop tube member 110 is rotated within and relative tothe outer drop tube member 108 will be discussed further herein underthe heading “Rotation Of Inner Drop Tube Member 110”.

In order to lower the feed level from the high feed level, but stillprovide a feed level that is higher than the feed level provided by thelower feed gate G-1, the inner drop tube member 110 is again rotatedwithin and relative to the outer drop tube member 108 such that thewindows 434 of the inner drop tube member 110 are positioned intoalignment with a lower portion of the windows 308 of the outer drop tubemember 108, proximate to the third, fourth, fifth and sixth edges 314,316, 318, 320 such that feed flows through the upper feed gate G-2 andinto the pan member 104, as illustrated in FIGS. 45 and 46.

By lowering the feed level even further, the inner drop tube member 110is again preferably rotated within and relative to the outer drop tubemember 108 such that the windows 308 of the outer drop tube member 108are not in alignment with the windows 434 of the inner drop tube member110, thus forcing the feed to flow through the lower feed gate G-1 andinto the pan member 104, as illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48. This levelwould typically be utilized as the birds grow older and larger. Thus,the upper feed gate G-2 is preferably closed from the top down, althoughthe rotation of the inner drop tube member 110 relative to the outerdrop tube member 108 could be caused to close the upper feed gate G-2from the bottom up.

No matter what position the upper feed gate G-2 is positioned in, i.e.,allowing feed to flow therethrough or not allowing feed to flowtherethrough, feed will always flow through the lower feed gate G-1 inthe preferred embodiment. Of course, as the inner drop tube member 110can be selectively adjusted to precisely position the amount andlocation of feed in the pan member 104 in a plurality of differentpositions, other than those heretofore discussed and which are merelyrepresentative positions for discussion and illustration purposes,relative to the outer drop tube member 108, the upper feed gate G-2 canthus, likewise, have a plurality of different positions such that theupper feed gate G-2 is, in essence, a variable feed gate such that thepoultry grower can provide a smooth transition of feed from a high feedlevel to a low feed level. Of course, more positions of the inner droptube member 110 relative to the outer drop tube member 108 can also beprovided by changing the shape or configuration of the windows 308, 434to provide different feed levels in the pan member 104.

It should be noted that the configuration of the windows 308 of theouter drop tube member 106 could be provided for on the inner drop tubemember 108, in place of the windows 434 thereof, while the windows 434of the inner drop tube member 108 could be provided for on the outerdrop tube member 106, in place of the windows 308 thereof, if desired,as the same function would be performed and the same result achieved asthe described preferred embodiment.

Thus, the adjustable upper and lower feed gates G-2, G-1 providenumerous advantages and benefits over feeder assemblies of the priorart. For instance, the windows 308 of the outer drop tube member 108allow poultry growers to utilize a smooth transition from a high feedlevel, where feed flows through the variable upper feed gate G-2 and thelower feed gate G-1, to a low feed level, where feed flows only throughthe lower feed gate G-1. Prior art feeder assemblies having upper feedgates did not have practical means to allow for the poultry grower tomake a smooth transition from a high feed level to a low feed level inaccordance with the size and age of the birds. Contrarily, prior artfeed assemblies, as a practical matter, only allowed for either a highfeed level or a low feed level by vertically moving parts of the feederassemblies to either open or close the upper feed gate.

The upper feed gate G-2 can also be utilized regardless of whether thefeeder assembly 100 is raised off of, or lowered to, the feedingsurface. Contrarily, prior art feeder assemblies typically activated theupper feed gate by removing the feeder assembly from the feedingsurface. This feature of the feeder assembly 100 allows for a number ofdifferent management styles to be utilized by the poultry growersdepending on their preferences. For instance, in some parts of theworld, poultry growers typically prefer to raise feeder assemblies offof the feeding surface prior to the closing of the upper feed gates. Incontrast, in the United States of America, poultry growers typicallyprefer to close the upper feed gates prior to the raising of the feederassemblies off of the feeding surface. In any event, the poultry growerhas numerous possibilities and configurations of how to present the feedto the birds, regardless of the size or age of the birds, with the upperfeed gate G-2 being variable and adjustable, the lower feed gate G-1being adjustable, and the feeder assembly 100 capable of being raisedoff of the feeding surface, all of which function independently of theother.

The poultry grower could also open the upper feed gate G-2 to anydesired position, when it would normally be closed, in order tostimulate the eating of the feed by older birds, as it would give them ashort term high feed level.

Also, in the preferred embodiment, by providing the feeder assembly 100with a lower gate G-1 which is always open, feed is always allowed toflow through the feed supply conduit 102, into the apertures 346, 350 ofthe outer drop tube member 108, into the aperture 376 of the inner droptube member 110, and through the lower feed gate G-1 to the pan member104. Prior art feeder assemblies that utilized both upper and lower feedgates typically only allowed the feed to flow through one of the gates.

Cone of Pan Member 104

The upstanding cone or inner portion 104 of the pan member 104 extendshigher from the base portion 118 of the pan member 104 than do cones ofmany prior art pan members. The cone 114 of the pan member 104preferably extends to a height that is higher than the height of thewindows 308, 434 of the outer and inner drop tube members 108, 110 inorder to promote a high level of feed out of the upper feed gates G-2 asthe feed will cascade downwardly and outwardly toward the upper feedgates G-2 after it comes into contact with the cone 114 of the panmember 104, as best illustrated in FIGS. 43, 45 and 47.

Rotation of Inner Drop Tube Member 110

As explained hereinabove, three different types of inner drop tubeactuators 112 a, 112 b, 112 c can be used to rotate the inner drop tubemember 110.

With regard to inner drop tube actuator 112 a, and as explainedhereinabove, the extension member 451 of the inner drop tube member 110extends through the aperture 362 of the outer drop tube member 108 andthrough the oval-shaped opening 518 of the inner drop tube actuator 112a. The inner drop tube actuator 112 a is also capable of being linearlymoved along the length of the feed supply conduit 102, but linearmovement of the inner drop tube actuator 112 a along the feed supplyconduit 102 is limited by the conduit acceptor member 348 of the outerdrop tube member 108, as best illustrated in FIG. 1.

In order to actuate the rotation of the inner drop tube member 110 toadjust or vary the position of the upper feed gate G-2, as describedhereinabove, the poultry grower moves the inner drop tube actuator 112 alinearly along the length of the feed supply conduit 102. Linearmovement of the inner drop tube actuator 112 a forces movement of theextension member 451 of the inner drop tube member 110 within theaperture 362 of the outer drop tube member 108. As the aperture 362 ofthe outer drop tube member 108 is arcuate, the extension member 451rotates around the aperture 362 of the outer drop tube member 108, thus,forcing the remainder of the inner drop tube member 110 to rotate. Therotation of the inner drop tube member 110 provides for the adjustmentor varying of the position of the upper feed gate G-2 by forcing thewindows 434 of the inner drop tube member 110 to be in or out ofalignment with the windows 308 of the outer drop tube member 108.

The actuation of the inner drop tube member 110 to control thepositioning of the windows 434 relative to the windows 308 of the outerdrop tube member 108 can be done in a number of manners. In a firstmanner, a poultry grower can string cables from the circular cylindricalmembers 476 of the first and second end members 452, 454 of the innerdrop tube actuator 112 a. The cables can then be moved to differentpositions to force the inner drop tube actuator 112 a to be linearlymoved to different positions to force the inner drop tube actuator 112 ato be linearly moved along the feed supply conduit 102, thus rotatingthe inner drop tube member 110. Such an operation would be preferablyused mainly in connection with the movement of a single feeder assembly100. In a second manner a lever can be connected to the inner drop tubeactuator 112 a to actuate the inner drop tube member 100. Such anoperation would be preferably used mainly in connection with themovement of either a partial or total system of feeder assemblies 100.In a third manner, the inner drop tube actuator 112 a can be connectedto an electronics module that would be preprogrammed to linearly movethe inner drop tube actuator 112 a along the feed supply conduit 102 ina desired manner. Such an operation would be preferably used mainly inconnection with the movement of an entire system of feeder assemblies100.

As explained hereinabove, any means which can translate the linearmovement thereof into the rotation movement of the inner drop tubemember 110 is to be considered analogous and/or equivalent to the innerdrop tube actuator 112 a, including elimination of an actuator memberand using one's hand instead.

With regard to the inner drop tube actuator 112 b, and as explainedhereinabove, the first fastening member 522 secures the L-bracket 520 tothe extension member 451 of the inner drop tube member 110. Thus, inorder to actuate the rotation of the inner drop tube member 110 toadjust or vary the position of the upper feed gate G-2, as describedhereinabove, the poultry grower moves the inner drop tube actuator 112b.

The actuation of the inner drop tube member 110 to control thepositioning of the windows 434 relative to the windows 308 of the outerdrop tube member 108 is preferably done by the poultry grower stringingcables through the slots 544 of the second fastening member 524,inserting the threaded shank portion 542 of the second fastening member524 through the aperture 534 of the second member 530 of the L-bracket520, and then securing the nut member 526 over the threaded shankportion 542 of the second fastening member 524. By securing the nutmember 526 over the threaded shank portion 542 of the second fasteningmember 524, the extension member 550 contacts the cable strung throughthe slot 544 and secures it within the slot 544. The cables can then bemoved to different positions to force the inner drop tube actuator 112 bto be moved to different positions, thus rotating the inner drop tubemember 110. Of course, it is to be understood that other similarconstructions of the inner drop tube actuator 112 b could also beutilized to rotate the inner drop tube member 110.

With regard to inner drop tube actuator 112 c, and as explainedhereinbelow, the prong members 568, 570 secure the fastening member 552to the extension member 451 of the inner drop tube member 110. Thus, inorder to actuate the rotation of the inner drop tube member 110 toadjust or vary the position of the upper feed gate G-2, as describedhereinabove, the poultry grower moves the inner drop tube actuator 112c.

The actuation of the inner drop tube member 110 to control thepositioning of the windows 434 relative to the windows 308 of the outerdrop tube member 108 is preferably done by the poultry grower stringingcables through the slots 566 of the threaded shank portions 558 of thefastening members 552, and then securing the nut member 554 over thethreaded shank portion 558. By securing the nut member 554 over thethreaded shank portion 558, the extension member 586 contacts the cablestrung through the slot 566 and secures it within the slot 566. Thecables can then be moved to different positions to force the inner droptube actuator 112 c to be moved to different positions, thus rotatingthe inner drop tube member 110. Of course, it is to be understood thatother similar constructions of the inner drop tube actuator 112 c couldalso be utilized to rotate th4e inner drop tube member 110.

Bird Welfare Features of the Feeder Assembly 100

The structure of the feeder assembly 100 also provides for the overallwelfare of the birds as they are feeding from the feeder assembly 100 byreducing detrimental physical effects to the birds caused by the birdsfeeding from the feeder assembly 100 and, thus, provides for a reductionof bird condemnation.

In the growing of birds, poultry growers typically try to grow birdswhich have large, healthy breasts as birds with large, healthy breastswill be the most commercially valuable to the poultry grower. As thebirds are grown to have large breasts, the birds generally becomefront-heavy such that when the birds are eating from feeder assemblies,the birds tend to rest the front sides of their bodies, namely theirbreasts, on or against the pan or grill members, depending on theconfiguration of the feeder assemblies, to reduce the amount of weightthat the birds must support while they eat. It should be noted that somebirds are not raised for the purpose of large breasts because of thecut-up market, but it is still invaluable to have birds with healthybodies.

Problems, however, can occur when the birds rest the front sides oftheir bodies on or against the pan or grill members. In particular, whenthe front sides of the birds rub against the pan or grill members, thefront sides of the birds may become detrimentally physically effected,for instance, bruised. The detrimental physical effects to the birds'front sides can potentially cause health problems for the birds and canpotentially cause the birds to eat less than the poultry grower woulddesire as the birds would become uncomfortable resting their front sideson or against the pan or grill members. The detrimental physical effectson the birds' front sides can also cause bird condemnation because afterthe removal of the birds' feathers, visual inspection of the birds'front sides can detect the detrimental physical effects thereon and, forinstance, the effect on the color of the meat which is known to be ahealthy color, thus possibly reducing the quality of grade given to thebirds. Obviously, the lower quality of grade that is given to the birds,the less commercially valuable the birds become to the poultry grower.The feeder assembly 100 helps to prevent the foregoing by theconfiguration of the grill member 106 on both the rim member 154 and theplurality of spoke members 156.

As best illustrated in FIG. 49, the side rim portion 160, the curved rimportion 222 and the top rim portion 210 of the rim member 154 help toprevent the detrimental physical effects of the birds' front sides byallowing the breasts of the birds to conform thereto. The side rimportion 160 has the plurality of projections 174 with the first concaveportion 176 of one of the projections 174 connecting to the secondconcave portion 178 of an adjacent projection 174 to allow the birds'front sides to conform thereagainst when the birds eat feed from the panmember 104. The top rim portion 210 has the peak and valley portions218, 220 to allow the birds' front sides to conform to the valleyportions 220 when the birds eat feed from the pan member 104. The curvedrim portion 222 allows for a smooth transition from the side rim portion160 to the top rim portion 210 to allow the birds' front sides toconform thereon. In other words, the front sides of birds will moreeasily conform on or against the grill member 106 of the presentinvention than those of the prior art because the prior art feederassemblies generally do not have smooth transitions and do not provideareas to which the birds' front sides to conform. Contrarily, prior artfeeder assemblies typically provide for the exact opposite, having areaswhich would project into the front sides of the birds as they restagainst the feeder assemblies and, therefore, do not allow the birds'front sides to conform thereto, thus possibly causing detrimentalphysical effects to the birds' front sides which can lead to healthproblems for the birds and can potentially cause the birds to eat lessthan the poultry grower would desire as the birds would becomeuncomfortable resting their front sides on or against the pan or grillmembers.

As best illustrated in FIG. 49, the spoke members 156 help to furtherprevent the detrimental physical effects on the birds' front sides bybeing set back on the top rim portion 210 of the rim member 154 from theside rim portion 160 of the rim member 154, proximate to the inner edge216 of the top rim portion 210. As the spoke members 156 are set back,the birds' front sides can more easily rest on the top rim portion 210of the rim member 156. The convexity of the first portion 244 of thespoke members 156 and the concavity of the second portion 246 of thespoke members 156 further allow for the birds' front sides to easilyconform thereto.

Thus, the configuration of the grill member 106 helps assist in theoverall health and comfort of the birds, as the grill member 106 isdesigned to be comfortable to the birds which leads to the birds stayinglonger at the feeder assembly 100 and, consequently, eating more feed.

Shallow/Deep Pan Depth

It is an advantage that the feeder assembly 100 has both thecapabilities of a shallow pan depth for young birds to have access tothe feed in the pan member 104, and a deep pan depth for older birds tofeed from the pan member 104.

The shallow and deep pan depths are provided by the rim member 154 ofthe grill member 106 when the feeder assembly 100 is positioned on thefeeding surface. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1–5, the valley portions220 of the top rim portion 210 of the rim member 154 provide for theshallow pan depth, which is typically about two and a half (2.5) inchesfrom the base portion 118 of the pan member 104. Young birds can seeover the valley portions 220 of the top rim portion 210 to see the feedand be attracted thereto. The young birds can also climb into the panmember 104 at the valley portions 220 of the top rim portion 210 of therim member 154 such that the young birds so that they can eat the feedprovided within the pan member 104. It has been found that a pan depthof two and a half (2.5) inches is the optimal pan depth for feedingyoung birds. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1–5 and 49, the peak portions218 of the top rim portion 210 of the rim member 154 provides for thedeep pan depth, which is typically about three (3) inches from the baseportion 118 of the pan member 104. It has been found that a pan depth ofthree (3) inches is the optimal pan depth for feeding larger birdsbecause this depth helps to prevent the larger birds from raking thefeed presented in the pan member 104, or building high feed levelswithin the pan member 104, such that the amount of wasted orcontaminated feed is minimized. It has been found that ¾″ is the optimalfed level for larger birds. Thus, the peak portions 218 of the top rimportion 210 force provide such a benefit when the feeder assembly 100 isutilized to feed larger birds.

Thus, the feeder assembly 100 provides for the functionality of both ashallow pan depth feeder assembly necessary for younger birds and for adeep pan depth feeder assembly which is desirable for older birds suchthat the poultry grower need not have two sets of feeder assemblies, onewith a shallow pan depth and one with a deep pan depth. The shallow/deeppan depths also require no work of any kind by the poultry grower orvertical movement of the feeder assembly 100 to be effected. The pandepths are naturally provided by use of the feeder assembly 100, withonly the size of the bird defining which pan depth the birds utilize.

Prevention of Material Buildup in the Feeder Assembly 100

The inner drop tube member 110 preferably includes the apertures 450 toallow dust, feed or other material to flow therethrough to prevent thebuildup of excess material in the feeder assembly 100 which couldpotentially cause problems to the feeder assembly 100.

Wide Eating Area

The base portion 118 of the pan member 104 is wider than those generallyprovided in prior art feeder assemblies. The wider base portion 118 ofthe pan member 104 provides smaller birds with more room to eat, i.e.,access to the feed presented in the pan member 104. The wider baseportion 118 of the pan member 104 also provides a visually larger feedarea to the birds which encourages the birds to eat the feed from thepan member 104.

Cleaning of the Feeder Assembly 100

The feeder assembly 100 can be easily cleaned by the poultry grower.Prior to the cleaning of the feeder assembly 100, the poultry grower canrotate the pan member 104 and the grill member 106 relative to oneanother such that the tab member 196 of the grill member 106 is notpositioned within the recess of one of the extensions 138 of the panmember 104. The hook member 144 on the pan member 104 is then positionedwithin the slot 208 of the grill member 106 to suspend the pan member104 from the grill member 106. Thus, once the pan member 104 issuspended from the grill member 106, the poultry grower can commencecleaning of the feeder assembly 100 as the suspending of the pan member104 from the grill member 106 allows the poultry grower to easily accessall pails of the feeder assembly 100.

The inner drop tube member 110 can also, for instance, be removed fromwithin the outer drop tube member 108 by pushing in the ring member 424of the inner drop tube member 110 such that the ring member 424 nolonger rests on the ledges 328 of the portions 324 of the member 282 ofthe outer drop tube member 108, allowing the inner drop tube member 110to be removed from the outer drop tube member 108. The inner drop tubemember 110 can later be reinserted within the outer drop tube member 108as the ring member 424 will flex inwardly until the inner drop tubemember 110 can rest on the ledges 328. Thus, the ledges 328 of theportions 324 are capable of holding the inner drop tube member 110within the outer drop tube member 108.

Structure of the Feeder Assembly 600

Attention is invited to the second embodiment of the feeder assembly 600which is shown in FIGS. 50–57. The feeder assembly 600 differs from thefeeder assembly 100 in that the feeder assembly 600 is not provided withan inner drop tube member, an inner drop tube actuator, or windows onthe outer drop tube member. The illustrated feeder assembly 600desirably is adapted to be used in connection with a poultry feedersystem that includes a feed supply conduit 102. Desirably, the feedersystem includes a plurality of feeder assemblies 600, which can bevertically adjusted to either rest on the ground or be suspended abovethe ground by raising or lowering the feed supply conduit 102 or byother suitable means. The feeder assemblies 600 are preferably utilizedto feed all different types of birds, including chickens, turkeys andducks, from a time when the birds are very young until the birds arefully grown. It should be noted that other types of animals could alsobe fed with the feeder assemblies 600 of the invention.

It should be noted that the elements of the reference numerals of thefeeder assembly 600 are similar to like elements of the referencenumerals of the feeder assembly 100, with elements having referencenumerals in the six hundreds being similar to the elements havingreference numerals in the one hundreds, elements having referencenumerals in the seven hundreds being similar to the elements havingreference numerals in the two hundreds, and elements having referencenumerals in the eight hundreds being similar to the elements havingreference numerals in the three hundreds.

The illustrated feeder assembly 600 generally includes a pan member 104,a grill member 106, and a drop tube member 608.

The pan member 104 of the second embodiment is identical to the panmember 104 provided for in the first embodiment and, therefore, thedetails and advantages of the pan member 104 of the second embodimentwill not be discussed herein. Likewise, the grill member 106 of thesecond embodiment is identical to the grill member 106 provided for inthe first embodiment and, therefore, the details and advantages of thegrill member 106 of the second embodiment will not be discussed herein.Thus, only the differences in structure and function between the firstand second embodiments will be discussed herein.

Drop Tube Member 608

Attention is now directed to the drop tube member 608, which is bestillustrated in FIGS. 51–56.

The drop tube member 608 includes a member 782 having an aperture 784therethrough such that the member 782 is hollow. The member 782preferably has a first portion 786, a second portion 788, a thirdportion 790, a fourth portion 792, a fifth portion 794, and a sixthportion 796. The first portion 786 extends upwardly and inwardly from abottom end 798 of the member 782 to a first end of the second portion788 such that the member 782 has an inner diameter proximate to thebottom end 796 thereof which is larger than an inner diameter proximateto the first end of the second portion 788. The second portion 788extends inwardly from the first end thereof to a first end of the thirdportion 790 such that the member 782 has an inner diameter proximate tothe first end of the third portion 790 which is slightly smaller thanthe inner diameter proximate to the first end of the second portion 788.The third portion 790 extends upwardly and inwardly from the first endthereof to a first end of the fourth portion 792 such that the member782 has an inner diameter proximate to the first end of the fourthportion 792 which is smaller than the inner diameter proximate to thefirst end of the third portion 790. The fourth portion 792 extendsupwardly and inwardly from the first end thereof to a first end of thefifth portion 794 such that the member 782 has an inner diameterproximate to the first end of the fifth portion 794 which is smallerthan the inner diameter proximate to the first end of the fourth portion792. The fifth portion 794 extends inwardly from the first end thereofto a first end of the sixth portion 796 such that the member 782 has aninner diameter proximate to the first end of the sixth portion 796 whichis slightly smaller than the inner diameter proximate to the first endof the fifth portion 794. The sixth portion 796 extends upwardly fromthe first end thereof to a top end 800 of the member 782, such that themember 782 has an inner diameter at the top end 800 thereof which isequivalent to the inner diameter proximate to the first end of the sixthportion 796.

The drop tube member 608 further preferably includes a plurality of wingmembers 802 extending therefrom. The wing members 802 are connected toan outer surface 804 of the member 782 along the first, second and thirdportions 786, 788, 790 thereof. The wing members 802 are curvedoutwardly and downwardly from the outer surface 804 of the member 782such that a bottom end 806 of the wing members 802 is positioned belowthe bottom end 798 of the member 782, thus allowing the aperture 784 ofthe member 782 to be open at the bottom end 798 thereof. The bottom end806 of the wing members 802 is preferably flat or horizontal. In apreferred embodiment, the plurality of wing members 802 number eight (8)and are positioned equidistantly apart from one another, such that eachwing member 802 is positioned forty-five (45) degrees apart from oneanother. It should be noted that the drop tube member 608 could beprovided without the wing members 802 if desired.

The drop tube member 608 further preferably includes a helical trackwhich is preferably a pair of helical threads 830, 832 which wind aroundthe outer surface 804 of the sixth portion 796 of the member 782. Thehelical threads 830, 832 begin winding proximate to the top end 800 ofthe member 782 to a position approximately lower than the midpointbetween the top end 800 and the connection between the fifth and sixthportions 794, 796. The helical threads 830, 832 are spaced apart fromone another a distance which is slightly larger than the size of thehelical thread 768 of the collar member 158 of the grill member 106.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 51–52 and 54–56, the drop tube member 608further preferably includes at least one retractable portion 834. Eachretractable portion 834 is formed on the sixth portion 796 of the member782 approximately at the midpoint between the top end 800 and theconnection between the fifth and sixth portions 794, 796. Theretractable portion 834 is formed by a pair of notches 836, 838 oneither side thereof which extend from a top of the retractable portion834 to a bottom of the retractable portion 834.

The retractable portion 834 also has a protrusion 840 extendingoutwardly therefrom. The protrusion 840 is capable of extending into thegrooves 266 of the collar member 158 of the grill member 106 as will bediscussed in more detail herein and, during rotation of the drop tubemember 608 relative to the grill member 106, allows the retractableportion 834 to be flexed inwardly when the protrusion 840 is notextended within one of the grooves 266 of the collar member 158. In thepreferred embodiment, the retractable portions 834 number two (2) andare positioned equidistantly from one another such that they arepositioned one-hundred eighty (180) degrees from one another. Thehelical threads 830, 832 are cut away where they cross the retractableportion(s) 834.

The drop tube member 608 further preferably includes a top member 842 onthe member 782. The top member 842 extends perpendicularly inwardly fromthe top end 800 of the sixth portion 796 of the member 782. The topmember 842 covers a portion of the aperture 784 at the top end 800 ofthe member 782.

The drop tube member 608 further preferably includes an innercylindrical portion 844, as best illustrated in FIGS. 53 and 54. Theinner cylindrical portion 844 extends within the aperture 784 of themember 782 downwardly from the top member 842 of the member 782 to aposition approximately equivalent to where the protrusion 840 isprovided. The inner cylindrical portion 844 is of a uniform diameter anddefines an aperture 846 therein.

The drop tube member 608 further preferably includes a conduit acceptormember 848. The conduit acceptor member 848 has an aperture 850therethrough which is in communication with the aperture 846 of theinner cylindrical portion 844 and, thus, the aperture 784 of the member782. The conduit acceptor member 848 extends upwardly from the topmember 842 of the member 782, but does not cover the entire top member842.

The conduit acceptor member 848 generally includes a first side member852, a second side member 854 and an arced intermediate member 856. Thefirst and second side members 852, 854 are identical and are distancedfrom one another a predetermined distance and have circular openings 858therethrough. Tops of the first and second side members 852, 854 arealso arced in conformance with the circular openings 858. The arcedintermediate member 856 is generally an upside down U-shaped piece andgenerally extends from the top member 842 between the first and secondside members 852, 854 along their respective edges back to the topmember 842. The feed supply conduit 102 is capable of extending throughthe openings 858 of the first and second side members 852, 854 and ofallowing feed to drop therefrom into the aperture 850 of the conduitacceptor member 848.

One side of the arced intermediate member 856 preferably has anindicator 857 provided thereon. The indicator 857 is preferably an arrowwhich is pointing down toward the top member 842 of the outer drop tubemember 608. The purpose for the indicator 857 will be discussed furtherherein under the section heading “Adjustable Feed Gate G-1”.

The openings 858 further have notches 860 therein at the top thereof toaccept a protrusion (not shown) of the feed supply conduit 102 toprevent the feed assembly 600 from being moved relative to the feedsupply conduit 102.

It should be noted that the configuration of the conduit acceptor member848 may be formed to fit over various types of feed supply conduits.

In a preferred embodiment, the conduit acceptor member 848 furtherincludes at least one member 862 extending upwardly from the arcedintermediate member 856 which is capable of accepting and retaining aroost wire. The member 862 preferably has reinforcing members 864extending from the member 862 to the arced intermediate member 856.

A plurality of reinforcing members 866 which extend from both the firstand second side members 852, 854 to the top member 842 of the member 782are preferably provided. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcingmembers 866 number four (4) with two (2) of the reinforcing members 866extending from the first side member 852 to the top member 842 of themember 782 and two (2) of the reinforcing members 866 extending from thesecond side member 854 to the top member 842 of the member 782.

Operation of the Feeder Assembly 600 Assembly of the Feeder Assembly 600

In order to utilize the feeder assembly 600, the parts of the feederassembly 600 must be assembled to that as best illustrated in FIG. 50.

The conduit acceptor member 848 of the drop tube member 608 ispositioned around the feed supply conduit 102 with an opening in thefeed supply conduit 102 being in communication with the apertures 782,846, 850 of the drop tube member 608.

The grill member 106 is positioned around and connected to the drop tubemember 608. The helical thread 268 of the grill member 106 is positionedbetween the helical threads 830, 832 of the drop tube member 608 suchthat the grill member 106 can be rotatably moved relative to the droptube member 608. The protrusions 840 on the drop tube member 608 aretemporarily locked into position with the grooves 266 of the grillmember 106.

The grill member 106 is connected to the pan member 104. The upstandingouter portion 116 of the pan member 104 is positioned within the pocket162 of the grill member 106 and is locked to the pan member 104 by thetab member 196 of the grill member 106 being positioned within therecess 140 of one of the extensions 138 of the pan member 104. As thereare a plurality of extensions 138 around the circumference of the panmember 104, the tab member 196 can be positioned within the recess 140of any one of the extensions 138 on the pan member 104, thus allowingfor the easy connection of the grill member 106 to the pan member 104 asthe grill member 106 and the pan member 104 need not be rotated relativeto one another by more than sixty (60) degrees, in the preferredembodiment, in order to connect the grill member 106 to the pan member104.

The upstanding inner portion 114 of the pan member 104 extends up intothe aperture 784 of the drop tube member 608.

The wing members 802 of the drop tube member 608 are positioned abovethe base portion 118 of the pan member 104 such that the aperture 784 ofthe drop tube member 608 is in communication with the pan member 104 todefine a gate G-1.

Reduction of Birds Raking Feed within the Feed Assembly 600

The positioning of the wing members 802 which extend over the pan member104 helps to reduce the amount of feed presented in the pan member 104which the birds are capable of raking as the raking of feed canpotentially cause the feed to become contaminated. Thus, because thebirds cannot rake feed presented in the pan member 104 as freely as theycould in some pan members of the prior art, the birds cannot rake thefeed out of the pan member 104 onto the feeding surface of the poultryhouse where the feed will come into contact with waste and dirt, thuscontaminating the feed.

Thus, the positioning of the wing members 802 within or on the panmember 104 provides a number of advantages and benefits to the overallgrowth and health of the birds, and to the poultry grower's costs andexpenses involved in growing the birds.

Adjustable Feed Gate G-1

The height of the feed gate G-1 can be adjusted, as desired by thepoultry grower. The indicators 280 on the grill member 106, when inalignment with the arrow indicator 857 from the outer drop tube member608, identify the height of the feed gate G-1. When the arrow indicator857 is in alignment with the indicator 280 numbered “1”, the poultrygrower knows that the smallest height of the feed gate G-1 is beingprovided, and that the feeder 600 is positively locked in this positionbecause the protrusions 840 are positioned within the grooves 266 of thegrill member 106 which are provided at a 90 degree angle from theindicator 280 numbered “1”. Conversely, when the arrow indicator 857 isin alignment with the indicator 280 numbered “6”, the poultry growerknows that the highest height of the feed gate G-1 is being provided,and that the feeder 600 is positively locked in this position becausethe protrusions 840 are positioned within the grooves 266 of the grillmember 106 which are provided at a 90 degree angle from the indicator280 numbered “6”. The arrow indicator 857 and the indicators 280 allowfor the easy sight adjustment of the height of the feed gate G-1 by thepoultry grower, as well as also ensure to the poultry grower that thefeeder 600 is positively locked in such a position.

When the feed gate G-1 is at the smallest height, with the arrowindicator 857 being in alignment with the indicator 280 numbered “1”,the wing members 802 are positioned slightly above the base portion 118of the pan member 104. When the wing members 802 are positioned slightlyabove the base portion 118 of the pan member 104, the helical thread 268on the grill member 106 is meshed between the helical threads 830, 832on the drop tube member 608 and the protrusions 840 on the drop tubemember 608 are positioned within, and at a bottom of, the grooves 266 ofthe grill member 106 which are provided at a 90 degree angle from theindicator 280 numbered “1”. It should be noted that if the wing members802 were not provided on the drop tube member 608, and if the helicalthreads 268, 830, 832 were configured properly, the feed gate G-1 couldbe closed as the bottom end 798 of the member 782 could be positioned onthe base portion 118 of the pan member 104.

In order for the poultry grower to increase the height of the feed gateG-1 to provide more feed within the pan member 104 and to provide ahigher feed level within the pan member 104, the poultry grower rotatesthe grill member 106 relative to the drop tube member 608, which isrotatably stable, such that the helical thread 268 of the grill member106 rotates downwardly within and between the helical threads 830, 832of the drop tube member 608, thus rotating the grill member 106downwardly relative to the drop tube member 608. At the same time, theprotrusions 840 on the drop tube member 608 are capable of being flexedinwardly and out of the grooves 266 of the grill member 106, as they areprovided for on retractable portions 834 of the drop tube member 608. Asthe grill member 106 is rotated downwardly relative to the drop tubemember 608, the protrusions 834 will again protract into other grooves266 of the grill member 106 in the desired position based on the desiredheight of the feed gate G-1.

Thus, the poultry grower can easily adjust the height of the feed gateG-1 to provide for different levels and amounts of feed to be presentedand retained by the pan member 104 by merely rotating the grill member106 relative to the drop tube member 608, with more feed being presentedwhen the feed gate G-1 is at a height defined by the arrow indicator 857being in alignment with the indicator 280 numbered “6”, than at a heightdefined by the arrow indicator 857 being in alignment with the indicator280 numbered “1”, as best illustrated in FIG. 57.

The adjustment of the feed gate G-1 is performed without the lowering ofthe feeder assembly 600 to the feeding surface or the raising of thefeeder assembly 600 off of the feeding surface.

It should be noted that the adjustment of the height of the feed gateG-1 is performed by the poultry grower without the poultry grower havingto reach his/her hand into an inner portion of the feeder assembly as isrequired with prior art feeder assemblies. Rather, the poultry growerneed only manipulate an exterior portion of the grill member 106 inorder to change the size of the feed gate G-1. Thus, adjustment isfacilitated and possible injuries to the poultry grower are eliminatedas the poultry grower does not need to reach within the feeder assembly.

Structure of the Feeder Assembly 900

Attention is invited to the third embodiment of the feeder assembly 900which is illustrated in FIGS. 58–60. The illustrated feeder assembly 900desirably is adapted to be used in connection with a poultry feedersystem that includes a feed supply conduit 102, and which does notutilize a grill member, such as the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,834,026. Desirably, the poultry feeder system includes a plurality offeeder assemblies 900, which can be vertically adjusted to either reston the ground or be suspended above the ground by raising or lower thefeed supply conduit 102 or by other suitable means. The feederassemblies 900 are preferably utilized to feed all different types ofbirds including chickens, turkeys and ducks, from a time when the birdsare very young until the birds are fully grown. It should be noted thatother types of animals could also be fed with the feeder assemblies 900of the invention.

It should be noted that the elements of the reference numerals of thefeeder assembly 900 are similar to like elements of the referencenumerals of the feeder assembly 100, with elements having referencenumerals in the nine hundreds being similar to the elements havingreference numerals in the one hundreds and elements having referencenumerals in the ten hundreds being similar to the elements havingreference numerals in the two hundreds.

The illustrated feeder assembly 900 generally includes a pan member 904and a drop tube assembly 907. The drop tube assembly 907 of the feederassembly 900 will not be discussed, however, as it is not considered tobe germane to the invention of the third embodiment of the invention asa drop tube assembly of the type disclosed herein with regard to thefirst and second embodiments, or a drop tube assembly of the typedisclosed in prior art patents, could be utilized and still achieve theobjects of the invention. The pan member 904 of the third embodiment isconfigured to have parts similar to both the pan member 104 and thegrill member 106, as the feeder assembly 900 does not have a grillmember.

Attention is now directed to the pan member 904. The pan member 904 hasat least an upstanding outer portion 916 and a base portion 918 whichare integrally formed. An outer surface 920 of the pan member 904 at thebase portion 918 is capable of resting on a feeding surface of a poultryhouse, such as a floor or the ground.

The upstanding outer portion 916 preferably has a rim member 954 thereonat a top thereof. The rim member 954, in a preferred embodiment, isgenerally circular, although the configuration of the rim member 954could be formed in a manner other than circular in order to achieve theobjects of the invention. A side rim portion 960 of the rim member 954has an outer surface 968, and is commensurate with an outer surface 920of the upstanding outer portion 916.

The outer surface 968 of the side rim portion 960 is formed from aplurality of projections 974. In a preferred embodiment, and preferablyfor use with smaller birds, the plurality of projections 974 numbertwelve (12) and are spaced equidistantly apart from one another with athirty (30) degree angle between the centers of the projections 974. Inanother preferred embodiment, and preferably for use with larger birds,the plurality of projections 974 number eight (not shown) and are spacedequidistantly apart from one another with a forty-five (45) degree anglebetween the centers of the projections 974.

In a preferred embodiment, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 59,each projection 974 has a first concave portion 976 at one end thereof,a second concave portion 978 at an opposite end thereof, and a convexportion 980 between the first and second concave portions 976, 978. Onadjacent projections 974, an end of the first concave portion 976 of oneof the adjacent projections 974 preferably, but not necessarily, meetsan end of the second concave portion 978 of the other one of theadjacent projections 974. Thus, the outer surface 968 of the side rimportion 960 is provided at varying radial distances from a center of thefeeder assembly 900.

Also, in a preferred embodiment, an upper edge 986 of each projection974 is formed of a first concave edge 988 at one end thereof, a secondconcave edge 990 at an opposite end thereof, and a convex edge 992between the first and second concave edges 988, 990, as best illustratedin FIGS. 58 and 59. On adjacent projections 974, an end of the firstconcave edge 988 of one of the adjacent projections 974 preferably, butnot necessarily, meets an end of the second concave edge 990 of theother one of the adjacent projections 974. Thus, the upper edge 986 ofthe projections 974 of the side rim portion 960 is provided at varyingvertical distances from the base portion 918 of the pan member 904. Thefirst concave edge 988 is provided for at the upper edge 986 of thefirst concave portion 976, the second concave edge 990 is provided forat the upper edge 986 of the second concave portion 978, and the convexedge 992 is provided for at the upper edge 986 of the convex portion980.

The rim member 954 in a preferred embodiment also has a top rim portion1010. The top rim portion 1010 has a top surface 1012 which is definedbetween an outer edge 1014 and an inner edge 1016 of the top rim portion1010. When viewed in a side-elevational view, as in FIG. 58, the topsurface 1012 appears to be provided in a series of curved peak portions1018 and curved valley portions 1020 extending circumferentially aroundthe top rim portion 1010. The peak portions 1018 and the valley portions1020 are formed because the inner edge 1016 of the top surface 1012curves circumferentially downwardly from one of the peak portions 1018to a point which is equidistant between the one peak portion 1018 andthe adjacent peak portion 1018, and then curves circumferentiallyupwardly to the adjacent peak portion 1018. Similarly, the peak portions1018 and the valley portions 1020 are formed because an outer edge 1014of the top surface 1012 curves circumferentially downwardly proximate toone of the peak portions 1018 to a point which is equidistant betweenthe one peak portion 1018 and the adjacent peak portion 1018, and thencurves circumferentially upwardly proximate to the adjacent peak portion1018. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, and preferably foruse with smaller birds, the top surface 1012 of the top rim portion 1010has twelve (12) peak portions 1018 and twelve (12) valley portions 1020,which are alternated around the circumference of the rim member 954 suchthat a thirty (30) degree angle is provided between the centers thereof.In another preferred embodiment, and preferably for use with largerbirds, the top surface 1012 of the top rim portion 1010 has eight (8)peak portions 1018 and eight (8) valley portions 1020 (not shown), whichare alternated around the circumference of the rim member 954 such thata forty-five (45) degree angle is provided between the centers thereof.

When viewed in side-elevational view, as best illustrated in FIG. 58,the top surface 1012 of the top rim portion 1010 also curves downwardlyand outwardly from the inner edge 1016 to the outer edge 1014.

The outer edge 1014 of the top surface 1012 is curved such that theouter edge 1014 is curved inwardly and downwardly at the valley portions1020 of the top surface 1012 and curved outwardly and upwardly at thepeak portions 1018 of the top surface 1012.

The rim member 954 in a preferred embodiment also has a curved rimportion 1022. As best illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 59, the curved rimportion 1022 connects the side rim portion 960 to the top rim portion1010 and provides a smooth transition from the outer surface 968 of theside rim portion 960 to a top surface 1012 of the top rim portion 1010.The curved rim portion 1022 connects the convex edges 992 of theprojections 974 to the outer edges 1014 of the peak portions 1018 of thetop rim portion 1010. The curved rim portion 1022 also connects theconcave edges 988, 990 of the projections 974 to the outer edges 1014 ofthe valley portions 1020 of the top rim portion 1010.

The purpose of this configuration of the rim member 954 allows for afront portion of a bird's body to conform thereagainst when the birdfeeds from the feeder assembly 900 such that detrimental physicaleffects to the body of the bird are not caused, or are at leastminimized, when the bird feeds from the feeder assembly, as will bediscussed further herein under the heading “Bird Welfare Features Of TheFeeder Assembly 900”. It should be noted that the configuration of therim member 954 and the pan member 904 could be formed in a manner otherthan described hereinabove in order to achieve the objects of theinvention, such that a front portion of a bird's body can conformthereagainst when the bird feeds from the feeder assembly 900 such thatdetrimental physical effects to the body of the bird are not caused, orare at least minimized, when the bird feeds from the feeder assembly900.

Bird Welfare Features of the Feeder Assembly 900

The structure of the feeder assembly 900 provides for the overallwelfare of the birds as they are feeding from the feeder assembly 900 byreducing detrimental physical effects to the birds caused by the birdsfeeding from the feeder assembly 900 and, thus, provides for a reductionof bird condemnation.

In the growing of birds, poultry growers typically try to grow birdswhich have large, healthy breasts as birds with large, healthy breastswill be the most commercially valuable to the poultry grower. As thebirds are grown to have large breasts, the birds generally becomefront-heavy such that when the birds are eating from feeder assemblies,the birds tend to rest the front sides of their bodies, namely theirbreasts, on or against the pan or grill members, depending on theconfiguration of the feeder assemblies, to reduce the amount of weightthat the birds must support while they eat. It should be noted that somebirds are not raised for the purpose of large breasts because of thecut-up market, but it is still invaluable to have birds with healthybodies.

Problems, however, can occur when the birds rest the front sides oftheir bodies on or against the pan or grill members. In particular, whenthe front sides of the birds rub against the pan or grill members, thefront sides of the birds may become detrimentally physically effected,for instance, bruised. The detrimental physical effects to the birds'front sides can potentially cause health problems for the birds and canpotentially cause the birds to eat less than the poultry grower woulddesire as the birds would become uncomfortable resting their front sideson or against the pan or grill members. The detrimental physical effectson the birds' front sides can also cause bird condemnation because afterthe removal of the birds' feathers, visual inspection of the birds'front sides can detect the detrimental physical effects thereon and, forinstance, the effect on the color of the meat which is known to be ahealthy color, thus possibly reducing the quality of grade given to thebirds. Obviously, the lower quality of grade that is given to the birds,the less commercially valuable the birds become to the poultry grower.The feeder assembly 900 helps to prevent the foregoing by theconfiguration of the rim member 954 of the pan member 904.

As best illustrated in FIG. 60, the side rim portion 960, the curved rimportion 1022 and the top rim portion 1010 of the rim member 954 help toprevent, or at least minimize, the detrimental physical effects of thebirds' front sides by allowing the breasts of the birds to conformthereto. The side rim portion 960 has the plurality of projections 974with the first concave portion 976 of one of the projections 974connecting to the second concave portion 978 of an adjacent projection974 to allow the birds' front sides to conform thereagainst when thebirds eat feed from the pan member 904. The top rim portion 1010 has thepeak and valley portions 1018, 1020 to allow the birds' front sides toconform to the valley portions 1020 when the birds eat feed from the panmember 904. The curved rim portion 1022 allows for a smooth transitionfrom the side rim portion 954 to the top rim portion 1010 to allow thebirds' front sides to conform thereon. In other words, the front sidesof birds will more easily conform on or against the pan member 904 ofthe present invention than those of the prior art because the prior artfeeder assemblies generally do not have smooth transitions and do notprovide areas to which the birds' front sides conform. Contrarily, priorart feeder assemblies typically provide for the exact opposite, havingareas which would project into the front sides of the birds as they restagainst the feeder assemblies and, therefore, do not allow the birds'front sides to conform thereto, thus possibly causing detrimentalphysical effects to the birds's front sides which can lead to healthproblems for the birds and can potentially cause the birds to eat lessthan the poultry grower would desire as the birds would becomeuncomfortable resting their front sides on or against the pan or grillmembers.

Thus, the configuration of the pan member 904 helps assist in theoverall health and comfort of the birds, as the pan member 904 isdesigned to be comfortable to the birds which leads to the birds stayinglonger at the feeder assembly 900 and, consequently, eating more feed.

Shallow/Deep Pan Depth

It is an advantage that the feeder assembly 900 has both thecapabilities of a shallow pan depth for young birds to have access tothe feed in the pan member 904, and a deep pan depth for older birds tofeed from the pan member 904.

The shallow and deep pan depths are provided by the rim member 954 ofthe pan member 904 when the feeder assembly 900 is positioned on thefeeding surface. As best illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 60, the valleyportions 1020 of the top rim portion 1010 of the rim member 954 providefor the shallow pan depth, which is typically about two and a half (2.5)inches from the base portion 918 of the pan member 904. Young birds cansee over the valley portions 1020 of the top rim portion 1010 to see thefeed and be attracted thereto. The young birds can also climb into thepan member 904 at the valley portions 1020 of the top rim portion 1010of the rim member 954 such that the young birds so that they can eat thefeed provided within the pan member 904. It has been found that a pandepth of two and a half (2.5) inches is the optimal pan depth forfeeding young birds. As best illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 60, the peakportions 1018 of the top rim portion 1010 of the rim member 954 providesfor the deep pan depth, which is typically about three (3) inches fromthe base portion 918 of the pan member 904. It has been found that a pandepth of three (3) inches is the optimal pan depth for feeding largerbirds because this depth helps to prevent the larger birds from rakingthe feed presented in the pan member 904, or building high feed levelswithin the pan member 904, such that the amount of wasted orcontaminated feed is minimized. It has been found that ¾″ is the optimalfeed level for larger birds. Thus, the peak portions 1018 of the top rimportion 1010 force provide such a benefit when the feeder assembly 900is utilized to feed larger birds.

Thus, the feeder assembly 900 provides for the functionality of both ashallow pan depth feeder assembly necessary for younger birds and for adeep pan depth feeder assembly which is desirable for older birds suchthat the poultry grower need not have two sets of feeder assemblies, onewith a shallow pan depth and one with a deep pan depth. The shallow/deeppan depths also require no work of any kind by the poultry grower orvertical movement of the feeder assembly 900 to be effected. The pandepths are naturally provided by use of the feeder assembly 900, withonly the size of the bird defining which pan depth the birds utilize.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown anddescribed, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devisevarious modifications of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A feeder which is adapted to receive and present feed provided by afeed supply conduit, said feeder comprising: a pan member for retainingand presenting the feed; and a drop tube assembly for receiving feedfrom the feed supply conduit, said drop tube assembly defining a feedgate through an outer wall of said drop tube assembly such that feedreceived from the feed supply conduit flows through said feed gate andinto said pan member, said drop tube assembly further having means forselectively regulating a size and a vertical position of said feed gatein said outer wall of said drop tube assembly.
 2. A feeder as defined inclaim 1, wherein said drop tube assembly has a distal end positionedproximate to said pan member, and wherein said means for selectivelyregulating selectively regulates a vertical position of said feed gatein said outer wall of said drop tube assembly relative to said distalend of said drop tube assembly.
 3. A feeder as defined in claim 1,wherein said regulating means further selectively regulates acircumferential position of said feed gate in said outer wall of saiddrop tube assembly.
 4. A feeder which is adapted to receive and presentfeed provided by a feed supply conduit, said feeder comprising: a panmember for retaining and presenting the feed; a drop tube assemblyhaving hollow inner and outer drop tube members for receiving feed fromthe feed supply conduit, each of said inner and outer drop tube membershaving a window defined in a wall thereof, at least a portion of saidwindow of said inner drop tube member capable of adjustably aligningwith at least a portion of said window of said outer drop tube member toselectively define a first feed gate, said first feed gate configure 1to have different sizes and positions depending on the alignment of thewindow of the inner drop tube with the window of the outer drop tube inorder to control feed flow and direct the feed into selected areas andat selected levels within said pan member.
 5. A feeder as defined inclaim 4, wherein said drop tube assembly has a distal end, said distalend of said drop tube assembly and said pan member defining a secondfeed gate therebetween through which the feed can flow into an innerarea of said pan member.
 6. A feeder as defined in claim 5, furtherincluding a grill member connected to both said pan member and said droptube assembly, said second feed gate capable of being selectively variedin size by upward or downward movement of said grill member, and thussaid pan member, relative to said drop tube assembly.
 7. A feeder asdefined in claim 6, wherein said grill member has a helical threadextending therefrom and wherein said drop tube assembly has a pair ofhelical threads extending therefrom, said helical thread of said grillmember being positioned between said pair of helical threads of saiddrop tube assembly such that said second feed gate is capable of beingselectively varied in size by rotational movement of said grill memberrelative to said drop tube assembly.
 8. A feeder as defined in claim 7,wherein said grill member further has a plurality of grooves providedthereon, and wherein said drop tube assembly has at least oneretractable portion provided on an outer surface of said drop tubeassembly, said at least one retractable portion capable of beingpositioned within one of said grooves upon rotational movement of saidgrill member relative to said drop tube assembly to securely lock a sizeof said second feed gate.
 9. A feeder as defined in claim 8, whereinsaid grill member has a plurality of indicators provided thereon whichcorrespond to a predetermined size of said second feed gate, and whereinsaid drop tube assembly has an arrow in indicator provided thereon suchthat when said arrow indicator is in alignment with one of saidplurality of indicators provided on said grill member said grill memberis locked into position relative to said drop tube assembly topositively lock the size of said second feed gate at said predeterminedsize.
 10. A feeder as defined in claim 6, wherein said pan member has abase portion and an upstanding outer portion and wherein said grillmember includes a rim member which is connected to said upstanding outerportion of said pan member, said rim member having a top surface whichvaries in vertical height relative to said base portion of said panmember such that both smaller poultry and larger poultry can access thefeed retained and presented in said pan member.
 11. A feeder as definedin claim 5, further including means far varying a size of said secondfeed gate.
 12. A feeder as defined in claim 4, further including anactuator member operatively associated with said inner drop tube memberfor rotating said inner drop tube member relative to said outer droptube member to selectively adjust the size and location of said firstfeed gate.
 13. A feeder as defined in claim 12, wherein said actuatormember is configured to fit over a portion of the feed supply conduitsuch that linear movement of the actuator member relative to the feedsupply conduit causes said rotational movement of said inner drop tubemember relative to said outer drop tube member.
 14. A feeder as definedin claim 12, wherein said window of said outer drop tube member has atleast a first portion and a second portion, wherein rotation of saidinner drop tube member relative to said outer drop tube member by saidactuator member aligns said window of said inner drop tube member withsaid first portion of said window of said outer drop tube member todefine said first feed gate in a first position whereby feed flowingthrough said first feed gate in said first position flows to a generallyouter area of said pan member and provides a generally high level offeed within said pan member, and wherein continued rotation of saidinner drop tube member relative to said outer drop tube member by saidactuator member aligns said window of said inner drop tube member withsaid second portion of said window of said outer drop tube member todefine said first feed gate in a second position whereby feed flowingthrough said first feed gate in said second position flows to agenerally inner area of said pan member and provides a generally lowlevel of feed within said pan member.
 15. A feeder as defined in claim4, wherein said pan member includes a cone portion configured tofacilitate the flow of feed through said first feed gate.
 16. A feederas defined in claim 4, wherein said drop tube assembly further includesa plurality of wing members extending outwardly therefrom which are notsecured to said pan member, said wing members extending over said panmember such that when feed is retained and presented in said pan member,said wing members assist in the reduction of feed raking by birds eatingthe feed.
 17. A feeder as defined in claim 4, wherein said drop tubeassembly has a distal end positioned proximate to said pan member, andwherein said first feed gate is configured to have different verticalpositions relative to said distal end of said drop tube assemblydepending on the alignment of the window of the inner drop tube with thewindow of the outer drop tube.
 18. A feeder which is adapted to receiveand present feed provided by a feed supply conduit, said feedercomprising: a pan member for retaining and presenting the feed; a droptube assembly positioned above at least a portion of said pan member,said drop tube assembly having an aperture provided therethrough intowhich feed from the feed supply conduit flows, said drop tube assemblyhaving first and second members which have windows therethrough, saidfirst member is an inner drop tube member and said second member is anouter drop tube member, said window of said inner drop tube membercapable of at least partially aligning with said window of said outerdrop tube member to define a feed gate upon rotational movement of saidinner drop tube member relative to said outer drop tube member such thatthe feed which has flowed into said aperture of said drop tube assemblyis capable of flowing through said feed gate and into said pan member.19. A feeder as defined in claim 18, wherein said inner drop tube memberis positioned within and rests upon said outer drop tube member.
 20. Afeeder which is adapted to receive and present feed provided by a feedsupply conduit, said feeder comprising: a pan member for retaining andpresenting the feed; a drop tube assembly configured to receive feedfrom the feed supply conduit, said drop tube assembly defining a firstfeed gate through an outer wall thereof such that feed received from thefeed supply conduit flows through said first feed gate and into said panmember, said drop tube assembly further defining a second feed gatebetween a distal end of said drop tube assembly and said pan member suchthat feed received from the feed supply conduit flows through saidsecond feed gate and into said pan member; and means for regulating avertical position of said first feed gate such that a vertical positionof said first feed gate is variable relative to said distal end of saiddrop tube assembly.
 21. A feeder as defined in claim 20, wherein saidvertical position of said first feed gate is provided proximate to saiddistal end of said drop tube assembly.
 22. A feeder as defined in claim20, wherein said vertical position of said first feed gate is provideddistal from said distal end of said drop tube assembly.
 23. A feeder asdefined in claim 20, wherein said vertical position of said first feedgate can be varied from a vertical position distal from said distal endof said drop tube assembly, such that feed flowing through said firstfeed gate provides a relatively high level of feed within said panmember, to a vertical position proximate to said distal end of said droptube assembly, such that feed flowing through said first feed gateprovides a relatively low level of feed within said pan member.
 24. Afeeder as defined in claim 20, wherein said regulating means furtherregulates a circumferential position of said first feed gate such that acircumferential position of said first feed gate is variable relative tosaid distal end of said drop tube assembly.
 25. A feeder which isadapted to receive and present feed provided by a feed supply conduit,said feeder comprising: a pan member for retaining and presenting thefeed; a drop tube assembly configured to receive feed from the feedsupply conduit, said drop assembly defining a first feed gate through anouter wall thereof such that feed received from the feed supply conduitflows through said first feed gate and into said pan member, said droptube assembly further defining a second feed gate between a distal endof said drop tube assembly and said pan member such that feed receivedfrom the feed supply conduit flows through said second feed gate andinto said pan member; and means for regulating a position of said firstfeed gate such that a position of said first feed gate is variablerelative to said second feed gate, said position of said first feed gatecan be varied from a position distal from said second feed gate, suchthat feed flowing through said first feed gate provides a relativelyhigh level of feed within said pan member, to a position proximate tosaid second feed gate, such that feed flowing through said first feedgate provides a relatively low level of feed within said pan member. 26.A feeder which is adapted to receive and present feed provided by a feedsupply conduit, said feeder comprising: a pan member for retaining andpresenting the feed; a drop tube assembly configured to receive feedfrom the feed supply conduit, said drop tube assembly defining a firstfeed gate through an outer wall thereof such that feed received from thefeed supply conduit flows through said first feed gate and into said panmember, said drop tube assembly further defining a second feed gatebetween a distal end of said drop tube assembly and said pan member suchthat feed received from the feed supply conduit flows through saidsecond feed gate and into said pan member; and means for regulating aposition of said first feed gate such that a vertical position of saidfirst feed gate is variable relative to said distal end of said droptube assembly, said vertical position can be varied from a verticalposition distal from said distal end of said drop tube assembly, suchthat feed flowing through said first feed gate provides a relatively,high level of feed within said pan member, to a vertical positionproximate to said distal end of said drop tube assembly, such that feedflowing through said first feed gate provides a relatively low level offeed within said pan member.
 27. A feeder which is adapted to receiveand present feed provided by a feed supply conduit, said feedercomprising: a pan member for retaining and presenting the feed; and adrop tube assembly for receiving feed from the feed supply conduit saiddrop tube assembly defining a feed gate through an outer wall of saiddrop tube assembly such that feed received from the feed supply conduitflows through said feed gate and into said pan member, said drop tubeassembly further having means for selectively regulating a size and adiagonal position of said feed gate in said outer wall of said drop tubeassembly.
 28. A feeder as defined in claim 27, wherein said regulatingmeans further selectively regulates a circumferential position of saidfeed gate in said outer wall of said drop tube assembly.
 29. A feederwhich is adapted to receive and present feed provided by a feed supplyconduit, said feeder comprising: a pan member for retaining andpresenting the feed; and a drop tube assembly for receiving feed fromthe feed supply conduit, said drop tube assembly defining a feed gatethrough an outer wall of said drop tube assembly such that feed receivedfrom the feed supply conduit flows through said feed gate and into saidpan member, said drop tube assembly further having means for selectivelyregulating a size and a lower boundary of said feed gate in said outerwall of said drop tube assembly.
 30. A feeder as defined in claim 29,wherein said regulating means further selectively regulates acircumferential position of said feed gate in said outer wall of saiddrop tube assembly.
 31. A feeder which is adapted to receive and presentfeed provided by a feed supply conduit, said feeder comprising: a panmember for retaining and presenting the feed; and a drop tube assemblyfor receiving feed from the feed supply conduit, said drop tube assemblydefining a feed gate through an outer wall of said drop tube assemblysuch that feed received from the feed supply conduit flows through saidfeed gate and into said pan member, said drop tube assembly furtherhaving means for selectively regulating a size end an upper boundary ofsaid feed gate in said outer wall of said drop tube assembly.
 32. Afeeder as defined in claim 31, wherein said regulating means furtherselectively regulates a circumferential position of said feed gate insaid outer wall of said drop tube assembly.
 33. A feeder which isadapted to receive and present feed provided by a feed supply conduit,said feeder comprising; a pan member for retaining and presenting thefeed; and a drop tube assembly for receiving feed from the feed supplyconduit, said drop tube assembly defining a feed gate through an outerwall of said drop tube assembly such that feed received from the feedsupply conduit flows through said feed gate and into said pan member,said drop tube assembly further having means for graduated regulation ofsaid feed gate in said outer wall of said drop tube assembly between atleast three distinct positions said feed capable of flowing through saidfeed gate and into said pan member through each of said at least threedistinct positions.
 34. A feeder as defined in claim 33, wherein saidregulating means further selectively regulates a circumferentialposition of said feed gate in said outer wall of said drop tubeassembly.
 35. A feeder which is adapted to receive and present feedprovided by a feed supply conduit, said feeder comprising: a pan memberfor retaining and presenting the feed; a drop tube assembly configuredto receive feed from the feed supply conduit, said drop tube assemblydefining a first feed gate through an outer wall thereof such that feedreceived from the feed supply conduit flows through said first feed gateand into said pan member, said drop tube assembly further defining asecond feed gate between a distal end of said drop tube assembly andsaid pan member such that feed received from the feed supply conduitflows though said second feed gate and into said pan member; and meansfor regulating a diagonal position of said first feed gate such that adiagonal position of said first feed gate is variable relative to saiddistal end of said drop tube assembly.
 36. A feeder as defined in claim35, wherein said regulating means further regulates a circumferentialposition of said first feed gate such that a circumferential position ofsaid first feed gate is variable relative to said distal end of saiddrop tube assembly.
 37. A feeder which is adapted to receive and presentfeed provided by a feed supply conduit said feeder comprising: a panmember for retaining and presenting the feed; a drop tube assemblyconfigured to receive feed from the feed supply conduit said drop tubeassembly defining a first feed gate through an outer wall thereof suchthat feed received from the feed supply conduit flows through said firstfeed gate and into said pan member, said drop tube assembly furtherdefining a second feed gate between a distal end of said drop tubeassembly and said pan member such that feed received from the feedsupply conduit flows through said second feed gate and into said panmember; and means for regulating a lower boundary of said first feedgate such that a lower boundary of said first feed gate is variablerelative to said distal end of said drop tube assembly.
 38. A feeder asdefined in claim 37, wherein said regulating means further regulates acircumferential position of said first feed gate such that acircumferential position of said first feed gate is variable relative tosaid distal end of said drop tube assembly.
 39. A feeder which isadapted to receive and present feed provided by a feed supply conduit,said feeder comprising: a pan member for retaining and presenting thefeed; a drop tube assembly configured to receive feed from the feedsupply conduit, said drop tube assembly defining a first feed gatethrough an outer wall thereof such that feed received from the feedsupply conduit flows through said first feed gate and into said panmember, said drop tube assembly further defining a second feed gatebetween a distal end of said drop tube assembly and said pan member suchthat feed received from the feed supply conduit flows through saidsecond feed gate and into said pan member; and means for regulating anupper boundary of said first feed gate such that an upper boundary ofsaid first feed gate is variable relative to said distal end of saiddrop tube assembly.
 40. A feeder as defined in claim 39, wherein saidregulating means further regulates a circumferential position of saidfirst feed gate such that a circumferential position of said first feedgate is variable relative to said distal end of said drop tube assembly.41. A feeder which is adapted to receive and present feed provided by afeed supply conduit, said feeder comprising: a pan member for retainingand presenting the feed; a drop tube assembly configured to receive feedfrom the feed supply conduit, said drop tube assembly defining a firstfeed gate through an outer wall thereof such that feed received from thefeed supply conduit flows through said first feed gate and into said panmember, said drop tube assembly further defining a second feed gatebetween a distal end of said drop tube assembly and said pan member suchthat feed received from the feed supply conduit flows through saidsecond feed gate and into said pan member; and means for graduatedregulation of said first feed gate between at least three distinctpositions such that said first feed gate is variable relative to saiddistal end of said drop tube assembly between said at least threedistinct positions, and such that feed can flow through said first feedgate at each of said at least three distinct positions.
 42. A feeder asdefined in claim 41, wherein said regulating means further regulates acircumferential position of said first feed gate.
 43. A feeder which isadapted to receive and present feed provided by a feed supply conduit,said feeder comprising: a pan member for retaining and presenting thefeed; a drop tube assembly configured to receive feed from the feedsupply conduit said drop tube assembly defining a first feed gatethrough an outer wall thereof such that feed received from the feedsupply conduit flows through said first feed gate and into said panmember, said drop tube assembly further defining a second feed gatebetween a distal end of said drop tube assembly and said pan member suchthat feed received from the feed supply conduit flows through saidsecond feed gate and into said pan member; and means for regulating aposition of said first feed gate such that a position of said first feedgate is variable relative to said second feed gate, said position ofsaid first feed gate can be varied from a position distal from saidsecond feed gate, such that feed flowing through said first feed gateprovides a first feed pile within said pan member, to a positionproximate to said second feed gate, such tat feed flowing through saidfirst feed gate provides a second feed pile within said pan member. 44.A feeder as defined in claim 43, wherein said first feed pile isprovided at a higher level than said second feed pile.
 45. A feeder asdefined in claim 43, wherein said first feed pile is larger than saidsecond feed pile.